Barely a month goes by and we see another major retailer – such as Toys “R” Us or Maplin recently – sinking into administration. Others, such as Debenhams and Mothercare, are issuing profit warnings, while Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons announce major job cuts. Even John Lewis, a stalwart of the British high street, has shown it is not immune to the modern-day challenges facing the retail sector, with the John Lewis Partnership last week announcing mid-year profits dropping to almost zero.

British retail is undoubtedly in trouble and the solution should be in the hands of local authorities, according to Bill Grimsey, the former Wickes and Iceland boss who carried out a damning review of the high street in 2013 and is back with a new report this week. Much of it he has said before, but this time he is sterner in his words and urging the Government to take note.