Story perspectives

English Councils Offer Discount Cards, Politicians Decry Perverse Incentives

4/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

English councils are issuing discount cards that give benefit claimants up to 20 % off food, drinks and leisure.
Leeds offers a £5 “LeedsCard Extra” with 20 % off meals, £20 off yoga and massages and eyebrow treatments.
Wandsworth advertises 50-100 % cuts on gym sessions, swimming lessons and wedding services for claimants.
Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Secretary Wes Streeting call the schemes “perverse incentives” and urge welfare cuts to fund defence.

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Story summary

English councils are issuing discount cards that give benefit claimants up to 20 % off food, drinks and leisure.
Leeds offers a £5 “LeedsCard Extra” with 20 % off meals, £20 off yoga and massages and eyebrow treatments.
Wandsworth advertises 50-100 % cuts on gym sessions, swimming lessons and wedding services for claimants.
Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Secretary Wes Streeting call the schemes “perverse incentives” and urge welfare cuts to fund defence.