Great British Insulation Scheme Eligibility: Are You Eligible?
You may be eligible for free or reduced-cost insulation under the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) if you own your home or privately rent with landlord consent, live in England, Scotland or Wales (not Northern Ireland), your property has an EPC rating of D to G, and you either receive specified means-tested benefits or meet low-income criteria or council tax band thresholds. GBIS delivers one insulation measure per household, such as loft, cavity or wall insulation, and ends in March 2026. Eco Renewables offers a free eligibility check and full guidance via our Do I Qualify for ECO4 Funding? page.
What Is the Great British Insulation Scheme?
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), also known as ECO+, is a UK government initiative administered by Ofgem, launched in April 2023 and running until March 2026. It aims to support low-income and fuel-poor households in England, Scotland and Wales by providing one energy-saving insulation measure per home, such as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, or solid wall insulation, based on individual assessments. The scheme’s goal is to reduce energy bills, cut carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty.
Who Is Eligible: Overview
GBIS eligibility falls into two groups, each tailored to different household circumstances:
Low-Income Group
You must meet all of the following criteria:
- Homeowner or private tenant with landlord consent
- EPC rating of D to G (E or lower if renting privately)
Receipt of at least one qualifying means-tested benefit, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings), Income Support, ESA, JSA, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Child Benefit (income capped)
General Group
If not receiving benefits, you might still qualify if:
- You are a homeowner or private tenant with permission
- EPC rating is D or below
- Property lies within Council Tax band A to D in England, or A to E in Scotland and Wales
Only one insulation measure is provided under GBIS for the general group.
Why These Criteria Matter
- EPC rating (D‑G) ensures support goes to the least energy-efficient homes that most need upgrades.
- Council tax band thresholds correlate with property value and presumed household means, widening access for lower-value homes in the general group.
- Benefit receipt demonstrates financial hardship; if not on benefits, low-income status under £31,000/year or being vulnerable to cold homes may qualify via local referral (LA Flex).
How Eco Renewables Can Help You
- Head to our Do I Qualify for ECO4 Funding? page to arrange a property assessment.
- We verify your EPC rating, council tax band, benefit status or income information.
- We submit your eligibility to your energy supplier under GBIS.
- If accepted, our TrustMark‑registered installers perform the insulation work at no or reduced cost.
- You receive a home survey, quote and installation scheduling, with no obligation to proceed if you choose not to.
What Insulation Could You Get?
- GBIS typically approves a single insulation measure per eligible property, such as:
- Loft insulation (top‑up to recommended 270 mm if existing insulation is low)
- Cavity wall insulation for homes with uninsulated cavities (built since the 1920s)
- Solid wall insulation (internal or external) when applicable after assessment
Benefits You Can Expect
- Annual energy savings of roughly £300–£400, depending on measure and property type
- Improved comfort, reduced drafts and lower damp or mould risk
- Lower carbon emissions, supporting UK’s Net Zero targets
- Potential increase in property value through improved EPC rating
FAQs about Great British Insulation Scheme Eligibility
Can private tenants apply?
Yes, with written permission from your landlord. Eco Renewables assists with consent and application processing.
What if my EPC is C or above?
Unfortunately you’re not eligible under GBIS unless you receive qualifying benefits and meet low-income or health-based local referral criteria under ECO4 Flex.
Can I get both loft and cavity wall insulation?
No. GBIS offers only one insulation measure per property under the general group. ECO4 may allow multiple measures in linked schemes.
Will I need to contribute to cost?
If you qualify under the low-income group, work is usually free. In the general group, a small household contribution may apply depending on the measure.
When does GBIS end?
The scheme runs until March 2026. Early application is advisable as funds are limited and uptake is slower than planned.
Take Action with Eco Renewables
If any of these eligibility criteria apply to your home, you could benefit from free insulation through GBIS, potentially saving hundreds each year in energy bills.
Check eligibility via our Do I Qualify for ECO4 Funding? page
Eco Renewables simplifies everything from testing to installation, helping you make energy-saving home improvements with minimal hassle.
