To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what guidance she has given to local authorities on the flying of the Union flag on a daily basis at council offices; and if she will make a statement. (150111)

I have been asked to reply.

Local authorities can decide for themselves when they wish to fly the Union Flag. However, as some choose to follow Government guidance, we have updated the flag flying section of the DCMS website (www.culture.gov.uk/flagflying) and informed the Local Government Association. This follows the announcement by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport allowing all UK Government Departments to have the freedom to fly the Union Flag when they wish while the Department carry out a consultation on altering the flag flying guidance.