The British Retail Consortium is calling for urgent reforms to revitalise local high streets as footfall continues to decline.
- UK footfall fell by 2.3% in June, with shopping centres hardest hit.
- A fast-track planning system with automatic approvals could empower retailers to invest nationwide.
- Reforming business rates is deemed crucial for the prosperity of town and city centres.
- Warmer weather and major events are seen as potential boosts for footfall in July.
In June, the UK witnessed a 2.3% decline in footfall compared to the previous month, with shopping centres experiencing a significant 3.2% drop. This trend marks a continuation of the challenges facing retailers, as high streets saw a 3.1% reduction and retail parks experienced a 0.4% decrease. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) attributes this decline to a combination of factors affecting consumer habits and economic conditions.
Remarkably, all UK nations, excluding Scotland, reported reduced footfall figures in June. Wales recorded a notable 4.1% decrease, while England and Northern Ireland reported declines of 2.6% and 0.6% respectively. The retail sector is facing tough times, which makes the BRC’s proposed reforms even more crucial for the revitalisation of these areas.
The BRC is advocating for the implementation of a fast-track planning system, which would include automatic approvals in specific instances, enabling retailers to invest more effectively across the country. Such measures are considered essential to address the stagnation and help towns and cities flourish by cutting through bureaucratic delays.
Another significant aspect of the BRC’s proposal involves reforming business rates. Current rates are seen as a hindrance to growth, and recalibrating them could provide retailers the financial leeway needed to enhance their operations and attract more visitors.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, highlighted the impact of special events, stating that footfall in cities like Edinburgh and Liverpool was buoyed by attractions such as Taylor Swift’s performances. She suggested that additional factors, such as favourable weather or a successful sporting event like the European Championships, could contribute to increased footfall in July, providing a temporary but much-needed boost for retailers.
Addressing planning and business rate reforms is pivotal to reviving the UK’s local high streets amid ongoing footfall challenges.
