Retail footfall for May remained well below figures from last year, despite the bank holidays and sunnier weather across the UK.

Total footfall slipped 3.6% from the year prior, as the British Retail Consortium (BRC) blamed a “broken business rates system and outdated planning laws” for the decline. However, the organisation noted footfall was up from April’s 7.2% fall.

Shopping centre visits sunk 4.5% from last May, while high street footfall dropped 2.7% for the period.

Scotland was hit with the biggest decline, with figures down 5.4%, as all UK nations suffered a year-on-year drop despite an improvement on last month.

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BRC CEO Helen Dickinson said: “Retailers will be hopeful that a warm summer, coupled with events such as the European Championships and Olympics, will boost footfall across all major shopping destinations across the UK.

“With an election only five weeks away, political parties have a role to play, too, by having policies that mean retailers can invest in rejuvenating shopping destinations across the UK.”

The trade association boss added: “A broken business rates system and outdated planning laws are holding back the industry — politicians of all stripes must address these issues.

“This will boost economic growth, lift consumer spirits and help drive more shoppers back to our high streets and other retail destinations.”

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