FOI002891 FOI Transport, Highways and Parking

I have the following FOI request that relates to the recent Operation Raise the Colours movement. I'm asking for data going back to January 2024 for all the following questions.

1. How many unauthorised flags (St George’s or Union flags) have been hung on lampposts and other street furniture since Jan 2024?    
(Under Section 132 of the Highways Act 1980, it is a criminal offence to attach items like flags or banners to street furniture (lampposts, signs) without consent from the highway authority. Councils can legally remove unauthorized flags that create safety risks, such as obstructing visibility or distracting drivers)

2. How many of these flags have the council removed or have had removed by your contractors since Jan 2024?  

3. How much has the council spent since January 2024 on removing unauthorised Union Jack / British flags from public property? (for example, lampposts, street furniture, or other council-owned items)

4. Which companies, contractors, or agencies carried out this work, and when?

5. A breakdown of costs where available – for example, hourly or per-shift rates, block bookings, or other associated charges.

6. If the work was carried out by council employees, please provide an estimate of staff time spent and the equivalent cost?