DISCOUNTS on leisure and arts across Darlington are to be reviewed.

The borough council wants to ensure that price reductions at the Dolphin Centre, Stressholme Golf Centre and Eastbourne Sports Complex are regulated, so that the concessions system is not open to abuse.

It is also keen to close eligibility loopholes for its leisure saver card, which offers discounts for recreation.

The card is available to various groups and offers discounts of up to 47 per cent, but the council proposes to tighten regulations about its use.

Currently, when making a group booking, only one member of the group needs to have a discount card. Group members without a card would also benefit. This is to be addressed under the new proposals.

Another loophole identified by the council concerns people registered as unemployed, who continue to claim discounts when they are re-employed if they already hold a leisure saver card.

Under the proposals, discounts would not be available in conjunction with special offers - such as block bookings. Working pensioners may also have their discounts cut.

If the proposals are accepted, swipe card technology will be installed at leisure centres to ensure only those people entitled are using saver cards.

The changes may also extend to tickets for events at Darlington Civic Theatre and Darlington Arts Centre.

Ticket prices relate to the artist or performer, so concessions are not always offered.

But under the new proposals, compulsory concessionary seats would be made available.

It is hoped the changes will ensure that those people who are most in need of discounts, such as carers and the under-fives, benefit from cut-price entry to the arts and leisure.

The proposals are due to be discussed by the council's environment scrutiny committee on Friday, and would be introduced in April next year if approved.

A council spokesman said: "The review of pricing policy is in line with the borough council's social inclusion strategy, and looks to establish a pricing scheme that will be fair and equitable for all arts and leisure users.

"We also hope the review will benefit more people who at present may not use the council's leisure and arts facilities because price is a barrier."