Over 100 pubs owned by public sector bodies

Over 100 pubs and 130 cafes and restaurants are part of 180,000 assets owned by close to 600 public sector bodies, according to new figures from the Communities and Local Government (CLG) department.

The figures have been released as part of a government move to show the public where their money is being invested. Public sector assets are worth an estimated £385bn, with almost two thirds owned by councils.

The CLG has published a map showing details of some of the properties owned by government, the public sector and councils in England to highlight where further savings could be made in local authority budgets.

The assets include over 130 cafes and restaurants, more than 100 pubs, around 60 theatres, close to 20 cinemas and in excess of 40 hotels.

Communities secretary Eric Pickles said: "We need to know, now more than ever, exactly what assets are publicly owned. The general public probably have no idea of the sheer scale and scope of property and land on the public sector's books. In many cases it goes way beyond traditional frontline services.

"I want the public sector to take a good hard look at what they own. By cataloguing each and every asset councils can help government find innovative new ways to utilise them, improve local services, keep council running costs down and save taxpayers' money."