NHS scheme to offer discounts on supermarket shop for hitting step targets

A new NHS scheme could offer families the chance to save money on their weekly shop in exchange for achieving weekly exercise targets.

As part of the Healthy New Towns programme, the project would provide a range of rewards for hitting step counts measured through an app,

Incentives being considered include discounts on supermarket groceries, reduced sportswear and gym membership and free cinema tickets.

NHS officials are understood to have studied existing health insurance schemes where customers are rewarded with 25% off their weekly shop, according to The Daily Telegraph.

The proposals are aimed at countering the public's sedentary lifestyle while reducing pressure on the over-stretched health service.

There are also plans for free bikes to be given away with new build houses and flats, in a bid to cut car use and encourage cycling.

Linking public health to urban design, NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens said, "If there's to be a much-needed wave of new house building across England, let's 'design-in' health from the start.

"The NHS makes no apologies for weighing in with good ideas on how the how the built environment can encourage healthy towns and supportive neighbourhoods."

Halton Lea in Cheshire - which is one of 10 housing developments which make up the NHS Healthy New Towns programme - will be the first area to trial the project.

Final plans for the proposal - which was the winning entry of a design competition - will be submitted in January 2018.