What is the Great British Insulation Scheme?
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), formally known as ECO+, and launched by the government, is aimed at supporting the least energy-efficient homes across the UK. This home insulation grant scheme available in 2024, is set up to reduce carbon emissions and help tackle fuel poverty, whilst lowering energy bills.
This is great news for households looking for home insulation grants in 2024 to help insulate their homes.
What is the aim of the Great British Insulation Scheme?
The Great British Insulation Scheme is designed to support households who don’t qualify for other energy efficiency schemes, as they either fall outside the qualifying criteria or their property is not suitable.
The Great British Insulation Scheme aims to assist eligible households in insulating their homes with energy-saving measures such as cavity wall insulation and loft insulation, which will help reduce their energy consumption and save money on energy bills.
How much funding is available through the Great British Insulation scheme?
Funding of £1 billion is available through this home insulation grant scheme. GBIS will be administered by the independent energy regulator Ofgem, and the energy companies are obligated to provide the funding.
According to the government, an estimated 300,000 households will benefit from insulation improvements.
When does the Insulation scheme end?
The insulation scheme is expected to close in March 2026, so households are encouraged to enquire whilst funds are available.
How do you apply for the Great British Insulation Scheme?
You can easily apply by completing this online enquiry form. The team will contact you to arrange a free no-obligation assessment.
Still not sure? Continue reading to learn more about the eligibility funding and advantages of insulating your home.
Are home insulation grants free? Will I need to contribute?
The scheme sets out to fully fund the installation of insulation measures. However, there will be instances where a small contribution is required.
Who is eligible for this insulation scheme?
We’ve explained the two ways you can qualify below, as the qualifying criteria are split into two groups for the Great British Insulation scheme – the ‘general group’ and the ‘low-income eligibility group’.
The general group
If you meet the criteria below and are a homeowner, you will fall into what is known as the ‘general group‘. You will be eligible for a single insulation measure, and a small contribution may be required toward the cost of the insulation installation. However, we expect the majority will be fully funded.
- Your home is in Council Tax Bands A to D (England). This is A – E in Scotland and Wales.
- Have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below (D to G).
A retrofit assessment and technical survey would be carried out, free of charge, to determine whether your property is suitable for either the loft insulation or cavity wall insulation. The assessment would also explore how making upgrades could cut energy use and carbon emissions and would be able to offer wider energy efficiency saving advice.
The low-income eligibility group
Alternatively, you may fall into the low-income eligibility category, and qualify for a fully funded single insulation measure. Single insulation measures include either loft insulation or cavity wall insulation.
- Receive means-tested benefits including:
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit Guarantee
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit Savings
- Have an EPC rating of D or below
The GBIS low-income eligibility group criteria apply to both homeowners and private tenants. Again, the first step would be to enquire and then an energy assessment would be arranged to establish you meet the qualifying criteria and that your home is suitable.
I am a private tenant, would I qualify?
Yes, you would. The insulation grant scheme is open to owner-occupiers and private tenants. If you privately rent, permission from your landlord would need to be applied for.
How do I find out what my home’s EPC rating is?
It’s straightforward. You can check the EPC rating of your home by checking the government EPC register online.
How do I find out what Council Tax Band my home is in?
The Council Tax Band of your home is freely available online. You can find out the band your home falls into by visiting the government site.
What are the advantages of insulating my home? Why should I take up the insulation grant?
By broadening the eligibility criteria, the GBIS scheme is there to help more households insulate homes from rising energy bills.
Insulating your home reduces heat loss, saves money on your energy bills, and increases the thermal comfort of your home.
Not only will you benefit from insulation, but your home will also be assessed for ventilation requirements to help improve the airflow and air quality within your home.
How do I find out more about cavity wall and loft insulation?
Find out more about the energy-saving measures you can have installed through the home insulation scheme, GBIS.
