UK Retailers Call for Business Rates and Planning Reform Amid Decline in Shoppers

UK retailers are calling for the government to reform business rates and planning laws as visitor numbers fell by 3.6% in May. The drop is attributed to factors like poor weather and the shift to online shopping and remote work. Political parties are urged to adopt supportive policies to revitalize retail destinations.

UK retailers are urging the government to reform business rates and planning laws to revitalize high streets and shopping centers.

Visitor numbers fell by 3.6% in May, continuing a trend that began last summer.

Shopping centers were hit hardest, but high streets and retail parks also saw declines due to poor weather, negative consumer sentiment, and the shift to online shopping and remote work.

Helen Dickinson, CEO of the British Retail Consortium, emphasized the need for political parties to adopt policies that support investment in retail destinations.

Labour has pledged to revamp business property taxation, while the Conservatives have yet to implement changes despite multiple consultations.

Retailers hope that improved weather and events like the Olympics will boost foot traffic.

Diane Wehrle from Rendle Intelligence noted an 'underlying structural shift' away from physical stores and increased efforts by households to save due to rising costs.

The move to remote work has also affected large cities, although it has benefitted smaller towns.