What is the Great British Insulation Scheme for?
Launched in April 2023, the Great British Insulation Scheme enables eligible households in England, Wales and Scotland to get free or cheaper insulation. It was partly introduced in response to persistently high energy prices which have highlighted the need for more energy-efficient housing throughout the UK. It is also designed to help reach homes which might not be eligible for the existing ECO energy efficiency scheme.
While the ECO scheme supports the installation of whole-home energy efficiency measures, the Great British Insulation Scheme is focused on single measures to stop heat escaping.
It’s expected to run until March 2026.
What can I get with the Great British Insulation Scheme?
Under the initiative, you may be able to get one of these energy efficiency upgrades:
- Cavity wall insulation - most homes built after 1930 have a gap between the internal and external walls. Filling the cavity with insulating material keeps cold air out.
- Loft insulation - up to a quarter of your home’s heat is lost through the roof. You can reduce this by laying mineral wool between the rafters.
Financial support may be available to install other types of insulation, but cavity and loft are the main two recommended to households.
The Energy Saving Trust has calculated that cavity wall insulation for a semi-detached house costs around £2,700 to install, and could save £240 a year on your energy bills. Loft insulation costs around £900 to install and could save £230 a year.
Who is eligible for the Great British Insulation Scheme?
The Great British Insulation Scheme is available to:
- those living in homes with an Energy Performance Certificate rating of D-G
- those whose homes are within Council Tax bands A-D in England and A-E in Scotland and Wales.
How do I find my EPC rating?
- If you live in England or Wales, you can find your EPC rating on the government’s Find an energy certificate site.
- If you live in Scotland, you can find your EPC rating on the Scottish EPC register.
How does the Great British Insulation Scheme work?
You can check if you’re eligible for the scheme via gov.uk or by asking your energy supplier or local authority. If you are, you’ll be contacted to arrange a survey of your property to ensure the intended installation is suitable.
The cost of installing energy efficiency measures in your property may be covered by the scheme, but some homeowners might be asked to make a contribution. This typically depends on the level of complication associated with installing the measure. You don’t apply for the grant directly. If you agree to the work, your energy supplier will manage the whole process for you.
How do I check if I’m eligible for the Great British Insulation Scheme?
Households can check their eligibility via gov.uk or by asking their energy supplier or local authority.
You can also call the Great British Insulation Scheme helpline on 0800 098 7950 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, Saturday, 9am to 12pm).
Those who are eligible will then be contacted to arrange a survey of the property to ensure the intended installation is suitable.
What are the government’s targets for the Great British Insulation Scheme?
The government’s target estimates are as follows:
- 300,000 homes made more energy-efficient
- Energy bills for those homes reduced by around £300-400 on average per year.
Since the scheme started, there have been 37,500 measures installed in 30,200 households up to the end of September 2024,
