Wouldn’t it be great if the government could help you with the cost of keeping your home warmer for less?
Good news – they are!
UK residents have been applying for help with the cost of installing insulation in their homes. It’s all part of a wider environmental campaign to reduce fuel poverty and help the UK reach carbon Net Zero by 2050.
But what exactly is the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)? Who’s eligible and what insulation is covered?
1. What is the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)?
The Great British Insulation Scheme is a government-funded energy scheme of £1bn managed by Ofgem that incentivises homeowners and tenants to install energy-efficient insulation so they use less energy, and reduce their energy bills. Over 3,000 households have already applied for the scheme and the government expects to help 300,000.
2. What’s the aim of GBIS?
UK homes contribute to 20% of our carbon emissions and have been identified as the least energy-efficient in Europe*. Not only is this a little embarrassing for the UK’s commitment to green issues, it highlights that the UK has a lot of work to do if it’s to meet its carbon-free commitment by 2050 (known as Net Zero).
The Great British Insulation Scheme aims to reduce fuel poverty, reduce energy bills for all who are eligible, and improve energy-hungry properties so they better retain heat and keep homes more comfortable.
Previously known as ECO+, this government initiative is different to a similarly named scheme called the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), which can offer funding to deliver improvements to the whole of a property, rather than via one single measure, such as insulation.
3. Who is eligible for GBIS?
You could be eligible for cheaper or even free insulation if:
Your property is in Council Tax Band A-D in England, or A-E in Scotland or Wales.
You have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D-G
You can own your home, be a landlord or a tenant (renting privately or via social housing).
You could also be eligible if you’re a low-income household receiving the following benefits:
Pension Credit Saving
Pension Guarantee Credit
Income Support
Child Benefit
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
Housing Benefit
Tax Credits
Universal Credit
You can check your eligibility on the government website by searching for the term ‘Great British Insulation Scheme’.
4. What insulation can be installed under GBIS?
This scheme is only valid for one insulation measure per household and includes these types of insulation:
Cavity Wall Solid Wall (External Wall or Internal Wall)
Loft
Flat Roof
Pitched Roof
Underfloor
Solid Floor
Park Home
Room-in-Roof
5. Who is responsible for delivering GBIS?
Larger energy suppliers are responsible for delivering GBIS and they have legal obligations under the scheme. They must ensure that their eligible customers can get help installing insulation in order to reduce heating bills and tackle fuel poverty.
6. How long is the scheme running for?
The Great British Insulation Scheme will be in place for just under 3 years at the time of writing. It started in early 2023 and will finish in 2026.
7. Who carries out the work under GBIS?
Installers who do work under the scheme must be Trustmark accredited. Trustmark is a government-endorsed quality scheme that aims to protect consumers and provide assurance for the work that is completed on their home.
8. Next steps: What to expect
Check your eligibility for the scheme by searching for ‘Great British Insulation Scheme’ and choosing the .gov.uk website.
If you’re able to get financial support, submit an enquiry to your energy supplier and they will review your application.
A Retrofit Assessment will be carried out at your property to evaluate which insulation measure will deliver the greatest benefit, and help your home use energy more efficiently.
Once the assessment has been carried out, you’ll be notified which measure is right for your home.
You (or your landlord) will need to agree to the measures being installed, and work will start.
Did you know that Energy Lock is a Trustmark-accredited company? Our qualified team carry out Retrofit Assessments and other retrofit services for homeowners, local authorities and housing associations.