UK retail footfall decreased by 0.8% year-on-year in November, according to the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

The reduction was driven by the consumer caution around proposed tax hikes and worsening weather conditions. The total retail footfall decrease was higher than the 0.7% decrease reported in the previous month.

Retail park footfall fell by 0.4% in November, and high street footfall went down by 1.2% on a monthly basis.

Shopping centre footfall decreased by 1.3% in November, compared to a 0.9% decline in the month prior.

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Helen Dickinson, CEO of BRC said: “Wet weather and the prospect of a tax-rising Budget meant some shoppers held off shopping visits last month.  With the ‘golden quarter’ in full swing, retailers are continuing to invest what they can to entice customers into stores over Christmas.

The chief executive warned that a new business plan is needed to recover the decline in footfall within the most recent years.

“However, as we approach the new year, given the downward trend in footfall across recent years, we need a comprehensive strategy to revitalise our high streets and shopping centres, from better transport and affordable parking to a reformed planning system to enable faster, better development.”