Thank you for your request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. We can confirm that Essex County Fire & Rescue Service does hold the information you have requested.
Please see below the answer to your request.
Questions and final response:
1. Who made the ultimate decision to have the flag designed, manufactured, and displayed from a public building?
This is part of our commitment to inclusion and diversity, recognising and celebrating all. Corporate Communications approved the design and cost.
2. Did permission have to be sought from the appropriate local councils where the flag was being displayed?
No. ECFRS does not sit as part of the local councils.
This flag is at Service HQ.
3.What was the total cost overall for the project and could you please break it down ie. design costs, manufacturing costs and were any copyright costs involved?
The LGBTQ+ flag cost £68.28
4.Does the Fire Service recognise or celebrate in any manner Armed Forces Day (formerly Veteran’s Day) which takes place on the last Saturday every June?
The Service recognises a number of national days. That can be through social media posts, internal communications and flying a flag if appropriate/ relevant
5.On what occasions do the Service fly the Union Flag and after the Prime Minister’s suggestion that the Union Flag is flown from every Government and Public building every day have you instigated this?
The Service follows flag protocol. Currently, Union flags are only required to be flown on all UK Government buildings on designated days.
Thank you for your interest in Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, we hope this satisfies your request.