The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has released new data revealing that High Street footfall for August is down year-on-year and called for increased government aid.

Total UK footfall fell by 1.7 per cent compared to last August, the BRC’s data shows, with the largest drop being 3.1 per cent for High Streets. Although the fall is smaller than July’s, which the BRC attributes to cooler temperatures, they still face an “uphill battle”, according to the trade body.

Retail parks were August’s winners, with traffic up one per cent from last year, while shopping centre footfall remained fairly consistent with a 0.5 per cent fall. The fall is also unevenly distributed geographically, with total footfall reducing by 2.1 per cent in England, 0.1 per cent in Scotland and 1.3 per cent in Wales. Traffic in Northern Ireland increased by 2.8 per cent compared to last year.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Footfall improved on the previous month, though still down on last year. The cooler temperatures played a key role, bringing shoppers back after a scorching July to stock up on essentials and back-to-school items. Retail parks were the standout performers but the overall picture shows high streets face an uphill battle.

“Retailers don’t need warm words, they need lower costs. With his first Budget weeks away, Chancellor Healey has a chance to throw Britain’s high streets a lifeline. Retail faces cost pressures and households are watching every penny. Government action on business rates and energy costs would help keep prices down, support investment, and sustain the jobs and communities that retail underpins across the country.”

The BRC frequently calls for reductions in business rates and energy costs for High Street retailers, suggesting it would help to curb inflation amid questions of price gouging.

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