In the first full analysis of its kind Strathclyde Police revealed there are on average between two and three marches every day within its force area.
The force says events such as Orange parades can have “a disproportionate impact on the community in terms of security and feelings of wellbeing”, while consultations on parades found knock-on effects included increased fear of crime, loss of tourism and bad publicity.
Crucially, the report also effectively says the review of marches and parades by former Strathclyde Chief Constable Sir John Orr six years ago failed in its objective -- to cut down parades and consider the needs of communities when decisions on approving them are taken.
Click here to view 2008-2009 cost of parades pdf
It says: “Clearly, the community engagement element of consultation on the number, frequency and routes of marches and parades has not taken place as the number of parades continues to rise along with community tensions.”
In the financial year ending last April, 1061 parades were staged, taking up almost 50,000 police officer hours and costing the force £1.7m, with 96 arrests. From April to August this year there were 610 parades, with police costs almost £900,000. The main Orange parade in Glasgow in July alone triggered 55 arrests and 271 fixed penalties.
The study will be discussed by Strathclyde Police Authority this week and comes two months after Chief Constable Stephen House first raised the issue.
It follows attempts by Glasgow City Council to cut the number of marches in its area by up to 90%, with the report restating that the city hosts 247 parades involving Protestant Loyal Orders and supporters of Irish Republicanism, compared to 217 in Belfast. The report includes marches organised by churches, the Army, arts projects and parent campaign groups.
It says any significant limits imposed on marches must be within the legislative and human-rights framework, adding that restrictions must be self-imposed by organisers unless councils were prepared to test them in court.
But although the authors insist marches should not be stopped on cost grounds alone, they say “local authorities should consider relevant police costs when deciding on march notifications”.
A companion study claims that in Cumnock in Ayrshire street drinking rose by 1775% during the main Orange parade in July, while common assaults were up by 557%, compared with a normal Saturday. In Glasgow reckless conduct offences increased by 150%.
Assaults on police increased by 130% during the main Orange celebrations in Lanarkshire on July 11, serious assaults were up by 180% and racially aggravated conducted rose by 420%.
A spokesman for the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland said: “We will withhold comment until we have a chance to see the report in full.”
Councillor Paul Rooney, convener of Strathclyde Police Authority, said: “This report sets out exactly how much of the police budget and taxpayers’ money is being swallowed up by policing endless marches and parades.
“This causes significant financial strain and comes at a time when the police authority is actively considering how we will address a massive deficit in next year’s budget. Efforts to reduce these costs need serious consideration.”
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