UK retail footfall fell in September by 1.8% due to lowering consumer confidence ahead of the Autumn Budget, says the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

Heavy rainfall, London transport strikes and the growing concern around the upcoming business rates for supermarket retailers drove the decline in overall retail footfall.

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “Retailers’ ability to invest in local communities and high streets has been hampered by last year’s budget, which added £5 billion in employment costs to the industry, in addition to a new packaging tax.

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“The upcoming Budget is the moment for the Chancellor to do just that, deliver the Labour manifesto commitment of a meaningful reduction in business rates for the industry, and ensure no shop pays more in the process.”

Footfall decreased year-over-year in high-street footfall areas, retail parks and shopping centres by 2.5%, 0.8% and 2%, respectively.

The news comes after retail executives and the BRC have warned the Government of the added pressure and financial impact of higher taxes in the upcoming year.