Universal Credit and mental health benefits claimants are reportedly being offered discounts on everything from beach huts to bars under schemes run by councils and private businesses. Some local authorities are providing reduced rates on leisure activities, weddings and sports facilities, while independent venues are also offering concessions.

One example is in Colchester, where people receiving means-tested benefits can get £155 a year off standard beach hut rents, which can cost up to £630 annually. Elsewhere, discounts extend to gym sessions, swimming lessons and even wedding ceremonies.

According to an investigation by The Telegraph, concessions are also available on drinks at bars, massages, beauty treatments and entertainment venues for those claiming benefits such as Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The investigation found that a £5 discount card offered under a Labour-run Leeds City Council scheme gives Universal Credit and other benefit claimants up to 20% off food and drinks at selected bars and restaurants.

The LeedsCard Extra also provides discounts on yoga classes, sports massages and beauty treatments including microblading and contouring at participating salons.

In south London, Labour-run Wandsworth Council says benefit claimants can access discounts of between 50% and 100% on gym sessions, swimming lessons and other leisure activities, as well as on wedding ceremonies and events.

The Telegraph also found that concession schemes extend beyond council-run services. The National White Water Centre, Oxford's Falcon Boat Club and the Canary Wharf ice rink all offer discounted access for those on certain benefits.

Football fans claiming benefits can buy reduced-price tickets at Dulwich Hamlet in south-east London, with concession tickets available for £5.50 compared with a standard £13.

Brighton's Komedia comedy club offers discounts for those on Universal Credit and Jobseeker's Allowance, while Odeon cinemas allow PIP claimants to bring a carer free of charge.

Discounts are also available at saunas and spas. Community Sauna Baths in Wandsworth says "everyone, regardless of income or circumstance" should be able to enjoy "places of healing, reflection and community".

But critics have raised concerns about the scale of concessions. Sir Iain Duncan Smith, who helped design Universal Credit, said The Telegraph's findings were the "most startling evidence to date that perverse incentives" were "creeping back" into the welfare system.

Lee Anderson MP, Reform's welfare spokesman, said: "What's the point in getting out of bed in the morning? Freebie Britain has spiralled out of control, and a welfare culture has taken hold.

"Hard-working families get hit with higher taxes in order to pay for people on benefits who get cheaper drinks out, discounted spa days and to go white water rafting."

Responding to the claims, a government spokesman said: "We're clear that households in work should be consistently better off than households on benefits alone.

"As we bear down on the cost of living, we're supporting people into good, secure jobs by undertaking the biggest employment reforms in a generation, overhauling Jobcentres and working with employers to deliver our Jobs Guarantee, ensuring every young person has the chance to earn or learn."