Local councils across the UK are facing growing challenges due to the increasing number of flags being placed on public property. This has led to legal discussions and rising costs for local authorities. A councillor described the situation as a "cat-and-mouse game," where individuals place flags on public spaces, potentially facing legal consequences if new measures are adopted. Bristol City Council is among several local authorities considering a High Court injunction to prevent flags from being placed on public furniture. The council has already spent £50,000 on removing flags, a practice that has become more frequent since mid-2025. Oxfordshire County Council was granted an injunction in July that prohibits placing flags on or near public highways. Violating this order could lead to imprisonment, fines, or the seizure of assets. Birmingham City Council has also applied to the High Court for an injunction to stop unauthorized flag attachments to street furniture. The council cited safety concerns, noting that such flags can obstruct visibility and interfere with street infrastructure. They also reported incidents where workers removing flags faced intimidation and harassment. Birmingham estimates the cost of removing 20,000 flags from lampposts across the city at £2.6 million. Other councils have implemented policies to remove unauthorized flags quickly, with some considering recovering the costs from those responsible. Somerset Council reported that flag removals have cost over £2,900 in the year ending August 2026. A spokesperson noted that many residents oppose these unauthorized displays and emphasized the need for flags to promote unity rather than division. "We want Somerset to remain a welcoming and vibrant place," the spokesperson said. The trend of attaching St George’s flags to public spaces became widespread in July and August 2025, driven by the grassroots movement Raise the Colours, which aims to "cover Britain in flags" as a symbol of national pride. However, the practice has sparked political debate, with groups like Hope Not Hate arguing that it has been co-opted by far-right individuals seeking to intimidate minority communities. This has added a layer of social tension to the legal and financial challenges faced by local authorities.