The number of pubs in England and Wales — including those vacant and to let — fell to 40,748 on 1st September, down 315 this year so far, with 87 pulling their shutters for good since trading restrictions were lifted.

Altus Group

Pubs which have ‘vanished’ from the communities they once served have either being demolished and/or converted into homes or offices, for instance.

On 31st December, 2019, there were 41,063 pubs, with 473 pubs having closed during the year, compared with the 914 lost during 2018.

Pubs in England and Wales are receiving a one-yearyear business rates holiday, worth £768.12m and were eligible for £557.94m in grant funding.

Robert Hayton, head of business rates at Altus Group, which revealed the figures, said: “These interventions were crucial to help save our pubs, but more targeted support will be needed.

“Localised lockdowns will have localised impacts, so reviews of rateable value, through the covid-19 group action which we have launched, is the ideal way to get more support to where it is most needed.”

The number of pubs are based upon a detailed analysis of the local rating lists in England and Wales, maintained by the Valuation Office Agency, an executive agency of HMRC. The lists itemise all pubs with a rateable value liable for business rates, through a specific code, and include those currently vacant and being offered to let.