Buckinghamshire Council says it has spent no money removing St George’s Cross graffiti or flags associated with Operation Raise the Colours.

The disclosure came after a Freedom of Information request asking how much public money had been spent removing crosses, graffiti and flags placed across Buckinghamshire since August 1, 2025.

In its response, the council said the total amount spent during the period was “£0”.

The figure contrasts with Reading Borough Council, which revealed it spent more than £7,400 on clean-up operations linked to the same campaign.

This is despite, Thomas Broom, Buckinghamshire Council’s cabinet member for transport, saying in September last year that “removing the markings comes with a significant cost to the taxpayer.”

Last summer, St George’s crosses and England flags linked to Operation Raise the Colours appeared in towns across Buckinghamshire.

Crosses were painted onto roads and public surfaces in areas including High Wycombe, Flackwell Heath and Taplow, while England flags were tied to lampposts.

At the time, Thomas Broom, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said the authority was proud to fly the national flag from its own buildings and welcomed residents displaying the flag on their own private property.

“These are important symbols of national unity, can hold personal significance and reflect a sense of pride and community for many,” he said.

“We will remove flags from lampposts on the grounds of safety, for example if they are causing visibility issues or at risk of blowing off into traffic, and where they are causing damage to infrastructure, the cost of which would fall on taxpayers.

“There are strict rules about keeping roads, pavements and other highways infrastructure free of unauthorised markings.

Painting or marking the highway does cause significant concern, it can be dangerous for those doing so and it can distract or confuse drivers.”