The British Retail Consortium (BRC) highlights critical economic concerns regarding UK footfall.
- UK footfall registered a 2.3% year-on-year decline in June, led by shopping centres.
- Regional differences were observed, with Scotland as an outlier, maintaining stable footfall levels.
- The BRC calls for immediate government action to implement fast-track planning reforms.
- Reform in business rates is deemed essential for rejuvenating local high streets.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has underscored the urgency of addressing the decline in UK footfall, noting a 2.3% year-on-year drop in June, highlighting the need for immediate government intervention. Shopping centres bore the brunt with a 3.2% fall, underscoring the pressing economic challenges faced by retail hubs. The BRC’s observations are part of its recent collaboration with Sensormatic IQ, which provides a detailed analysis of consumer movement patterns.
While Scotland has managed to buck the trend, maintaining steady footfall levels, other regions have not fared as well. Wales saw a significant 4.1% drop, with England and Northern Ireland recording declines of 2.6% and 0.6% respectively. These statistics illustrate the broader impact on local economies, particularly those reliant on consistent shopper presence.
Amid these challenges, Helen Dickinson, the BRC’s chief executive, remarked on unique local fluctuations, citing events such as Taylor Swift’s performances in Edinburgh and Liverpool which temporarily boosted footfall. Such temporal events, however, do not provide a sustainable solution to the overarching decline being faced.
The BRC asserts that fast-track planning reforms are imperative, suggesting that automatic approvals in certain cases could expedite retail investments nationwide. The organisation also stresses that these reforms, coupled with business rate adjustments, are central to revitalising town and city centres.
In conclusion, the BRC’s stance is clear: Prompt and decisive action on planning and business rates could be pivotal in reversing the current declining trends seen across UK high streets.
Swift government action on planning and business rates is crucial for UK retail recovery.
