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Guidance
Apply for Support from the Great British Insulation Scheme
- From: James Parker
- Published 2 December 2024
About 75% of the older UK homes lose heat due to poor insulation, making it relatively difficult to keep a home warm. Many British families are spending more than they need to be on heating simply because their homes let the warmth escape. But now, there’s a new way to fix the problem – and it’s free or low-cost for many households.
To help, the UK government initiated the Great British Insulation Scheme, which is supposed to reach approximately 300,000 homes by 2026 in order to improve energy efficiency. Qualifying households can get free insulation upgrades under the government insulation grant scheme. All this is part of the bigger aim: making homes warmer and reducing energy bills in such a way that by 2050, the UK will achieve its net-zero target.
Whether you are a homeowner or a private renter, if you are eligible, you can almost immediately begin saving on energy with fewer chilly nights. And thus lesser bills to consider. Let’s look into how GBIS works, who qualifies, the benefits involved, and how you can apply for a warmer, affordable home.
What is the Great British Insulation Scheme?
Previously called ECO+, the Great British Insulation Scheme is a government-funded scheme that aims at upgrading the UK’s poorly insulated homes to make them more energy-efficient. This scheme began in 2023 and is run by Ofgem, which is the UK’s energy regulator.
The £1 billion scheme will help approximately 300,000 of the least energy-efficient homes throughout the country with the cost of installing new home insulation.
This is part of a broader Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme that offers more extensive “whole house” upgrades. Households with low incomes and those in homes with EPC ratings from D-G can access single insulation upgrades like a loft or wall insulation through the GBIS.
GBIS Has Already Helped Over 3,000 UK Homes by 2024
Since its launch at the start of 2023, it has upgraded the insulation for several thousands of households, with many more being upgraded every month. In December of that same year, nearly 3,000 UK homes had been upgraded with about 3,500 energy-saving measures.
And GBIS is only just getting started; by 2026, it hopes to help even more UK homes save energy and money. So far, families who have benefited say they’re feeling the change: warmer rooms, lower bills, and a more comfortable winter season.
Who Can Apply for Support from the Government Insulation Scheme?
To apply for free insulation from GBIS, you’ll need to meet specific conditions. Here’s a look at the primary factors that can make you eligible for support:
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Rating
It provides support for houses that are on low EPC bands like D, E, F, and G. You can check your current EPC rating online or schedule an inspection through an accredited assessor.
Low-Income Households
While GBIS does not define a low-income household rigidly, the general exception would be where the person receives annual gross income, before deductions, of less than £31,000. Benefits that will automatically qualify you for the grant include:
- Income Support (IS)
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Pension Savings Credit
Upgrade Your Home Insulation For Free
If you or any of your household is on benefits, you may be eligible for GBIS.
Council Tax Bands
Properties in council tax bands A-D in England and bands A-E in Scotland and Wales are eligible under the scheme.
Home Ownership Status
GBIS is available to homeowners, landlords, and tenants. Tenants will need their landlord’s permission before insulation is installed.
Important Note: This scheme is available throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. Unfortunately, Northern Ireland currently isn’t included, but alternative schemes may be available.
Special Considerations for Pensioners
If you’re over 70, there is still scope for getting free insulation, even if one of the usual qualifications for the person concerned isn’t met. If you are a pensioner in either of two groups, there is support available for you:
Low-Income Group
- Annual gross income less than £31,000.
- EPC rating of E or below for private renters or D or below for homeowners.
- Means-tested benefits recipients, such as Pension Credit.
General Group
- It includes owners living in a council tax band A to D in England or A to E in Scotland and Wales, with an EPC rating of D or below.
Can My Home Benefit from the Great British Insulation Scheme?
If your home needs energy efficiency improvements, you might be eligible and benefit from an upgrade under the scheme, such as wall or loft insulation. Prior to this assessment, GBIS offers to facilitate a retrofit assessment whereby an approved assessor visits your home and advises on a single insulation upgrade relevant to your home’s needs.
Sometimes, these low-income groups even qualify for other energy efficiency enhancements, such as new boilers and thermostats that would further reduce their energy use.
What Insulation Upgrades Does the Government GBIS Scheme Offer?
GBIS offers various kinds of home insulation upgrades to qualifying households, all with the goal of keeping homes warm and CO₂ emissions low. After an energy provider conducts a retrofit assessment, they will find the most suitable type of insulation for your property.
Types of Insulation Under Scheme
Here is a quick overview of some of the most common insulation options under the free Government insulation scheme:
- Cavity Wall Insulation
- Loft Insulation
- Internal and External Solid Wall Insulation
- Flat or Pitched Roof Insulation
- Underfloor Insulation
- Room-in-the-Roof Insulation
In some cases, based on your eligibility and the kind of insulation, GBIS may cover all the costs of basic insulation types, such as loft or cavity wall insulation. A contribution from the household might be necessary in the case of more expensive upgrades, such as solid wall insulation.
How Can You Benefit from the Government Insulation Scheme?
GBIS offers many long-term benefits both for your household and the environment. Here are some areas it can help with:
- Improved Home Efficiency: With good insulation, your home is much warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Hence, it is a more comfortable place to live throughout the year.
- Lower Energy Bills: A fully insulated house can potentially reduce domestic heat loss by up to 60%. This saves you more than £650 annually in energy costs.
- Improved Comfort: Draughts and cold spots are reduced in a well-insulated house. So, this will keep the home temperatures at a comfortable, consistent level.
- Healthier Home Environment: Insulation prevents moisture buildup. Therefore, you can reduce the chance of getting mould and rot in your house. This will make your home environment healthy and your health better.
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: You can reduce your carbon emissions by up to 1.7 tonnes per year by ensuring that your house is efficiently insulated. This will make the environment greener.
- Higher Property Value: The better the insulation in homes, the generally higher the EPC rating. Thus, these properties would be more desirable to buyers and increase in value.
How to Apply for the Great British Insulation Scheme
The process of applying for the Great British Insulation Scheme is relatively easy. Here’s how you can begin:
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, make sure you are qualified. You can even check out our website to confirm your eco4 eligibility.
2. Select a Certified Installer
The system must be installed by an accredited installer who meets the required standards laid down by the government and, in most instances, is accredited under PAS 2030-2035, like us.
3. Application Submission
Once ready, visit the UK government website to fill out the application form. After you submit it, a representative from the scheme will contact you to discuss the next steps. It typically includes arranging a property assessment.
4. Get Your Insulation Installed
After the approval comes in a few days or so, you get your free insulation upgrade and can finally enjoy a warmer house
Upgrade Your Insulation Under GBIS!
If you or any of your household is on benefits, you may be eligible for Great British Insulation Scheme.
The Bottom Line
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) offers an invaluable opportunity for UK households to improve home insulation for free. Whether you’re hoping to reduce energy bills, minimise your carbon footprint, or simply create a more comfortable living environment, this scheme opens doors to all of these benefits for you.
With funding available until the end of March 2026, there’s ample time to apply, but the sooner, the better. So that you can start enjoying these savings and improvements right away. So, apply for your free insulation grant today and take the first step to a warmer, more efficient home.
Frequently Asked Question
Yes, for most cases. According to GBIS, those in council tax bands A–E with at least an EPC rating of D or below can get the insulation for free. You might also be eligible – if anyone in your household has specific government benefits, this may make insulation upgrades more within your reach.
The Great British Insulation Scheme is a newly initiated government initiative launched in March 2023 to help UK residents better insulate their homes. It aims to reduce household energy bills and carbon emissions by providing grants for various insulation upgrades.
Energy companies fund GBIS under the supervision of Ofgem, the independent energy regulator. In other words, all big energy suppliers provide financing for the scheme for insulation upgrades in qualifying households.
You may be eligible if your household meets certain criteria. Here are just a few of those factors: low income, low EPC rating, council tax band, and any government benefits a person in your home receives. That makes the eligibility checker on the government’s website a quick way to check if you qualify.
GBIS is designed to help households reduce energy costs and increase home efficiency. Qualifying applicants can receive insulation upgrades at no cost. It helps them to cut bills and improve comfort. It will run until March 2026.
