Discounts available on activities, goods and services

This article provides information and guidance on a range of discounts and money saving tips.  Some of these apply specifically to those over 60, those working in the NHS or care industry or disabled people. 

There are also a range of benefits available to help toward living costs, childcare and health costs.   The GOV.UK website has details of benefits such as: 

• Housing benefit
• Attendance allowance
• Disability benefits
• Tax credits
• Pension credit

See the council’s articles for further information on Housing benefit.

 Page contents

• General discounts
• Discounts for NHS staff, social care and emergency services
• Discounts for carers
• Discounts for disabled people
• Discounts for teachers and education staff
• Discounts for people aged over 60

 General discounts

Money saving expert has details of money saving deals ranging from discounts on popular retailers, days out and travel, cinema and discounts for students.  They also provide details of free services and products such as meditation apps, podcasts and magazines.

Which, a consumer advice service, explain how to get a discount on refurbished products such as mobile phones, laptops and tablets.  Refurbished products are items that have been returned to the manufacturer and resold at a sizeable discount. They are often returned either unused or barely used by the previous owner. They are always checked for defects before being resold.

Discounts for NHS staff, social care and emergency services

NHS staff can benefit from great discounts and exclusive deals from Health Service discounts.  It is free to join and offers exclusive deals and discounts from 100's of brands from everything from a holiday to a weekly shop.

NHSdiscountoffers also has discounts for NHS staff.

Blue light card has discounts for NHS staff, social care staff, emergency services and the armed forces.

Discounts for carers

See the Discounts for carers website offering a dedicated discount service for individuals working or volunteering in the care industry, and for those who care for others including a family member or friend or other.

Carers and careworkers can benefit from amazing offers and useful information as a reward back for the care they provide.

The Carers Support Centre work with a range of organisations to offer discounts to anyone with a Carers emergency card.  See the Carers support centre website for information on how to apply.   

 Discounts for disabled people

Money Advice service provide guidance on money saving tips and discounts for disabled people.  This includes benefits and entitlements as well as discounts on leisure activities.

Money Saving Expert has guidance on money saving tips for disabled people

If you are blind or severely sight impaired you are eligible to apply for a 50% concession on your TV license.   See the TV Licensing website for more details.

Discounts for teachers and education staff

Discounts for teachers offers teachers and education staff a free Cashback card.  This can be used to earn 12% cashback at over 50 retailers including major supermarket chains. 

Discounts for people aged over 60

Health

Over 60s get free NHS prescriptions and NHS sight tests. 

Many High Street opticians offer discounts on glasses, prescription sunglasses and hearing aids.  Ask your local opticians for details.

Your local leisure centre may also offer off-peak or senior citizen rates on swimming and exercise classes.

Entertainment

Lots of cinema chains and theatres offer discounts for seniors and matinee show times sometimes with refreshments provided.  Ask at your local cinema or theatre for more details

Leisure, Heritage and tourism

The National Trust which looks after Britain’s great buildings, landscapes and coastlines, offers 25% off membership for those aged 60 or over who have been members for at least the last three consecutive years. Membership gets you access to more than 500 National Trust properties and outdoor places.  See the National Trust website for more information.

English Heritage offers entry to 400 historic sites across the UK and also offers seniors discounted membership.  See the English Heritage website for more details.

Plenty of museums and attractions will offer discounts for older visitors, so it’s always worth checking

Travel

 The council offer a concessionary bus pass when you reach pensionable age.  More information can be found on the council's website

The Senior Railcard is available to travellers aged 60 or over. It costs £30 a year and enables you to get a third off standard and first class anytime, off-peak and advance fares. The card also offers discounts on days out, theatre and lifestyle treats.

National Express offers a Senior Coachcard for people aged 60 or over. It costs £12.50 a year plus £2.50 postage and packaging.  It offers a third off standard and fully flexible fares to hundreds of towns, cities and airports across the UK.

 Interrail allows you to travel across 30 European countries by train. The discount is available on first or second-class travel.

Benefits

• over-75s get a free TV licence
• if you were born on or before 2 September 1929 you can renew your passport for free.   See the GOV.UK website for more details.