Domestic Energy Efficiency Grants

Great British Insulation Scheme – GBIS

On Thursday 14th September 2023 the government launched a new, £1 billion drive, to help those most in need heat their home for less through a grant scheme they’ve called the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).

Families in lower council tax bands with less energy-efficient homes will be offered vital upgrades – such as roof, loft or cavity wall insulation – which could cut their annual energy bill by an average of between £300 to £400.

The scheme will boost help for those on the lowest incomes as well as extend support to a wider range of households compared to other existing government-funded schemes. Those eligible for support under the Great British Insulation Scheme include families in council tax bands A-D in England, A-E in Scotland and Wales, with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below. This scheme is not available in Northern Ireland however.

Measures Funded Under GBIS

The main focus of GBIS is on delivering of single, low cost insulation measures, such as loft insulation or cavity wall insulation to the masses.

That said, a wide range of other measures that are still available for funding under GBIS grants including the following:

Insulation: External wall insulation EWI, cavity wall insulation CWI, internal wall insulation IWI, loft insulation, loft / roof insulation, under-floor insulation and park home insulation.

Heating Improvements: GBIS will only provide heating controls to the low-income eligibility category as a secondary measure.

It’s important to notre that GBIS will not necessarily fully fund insulation measures. A contribution may be required depending on individual cicumstances.

Eligibility For GBIS

GBIS is about improving inefficient properties is therefore open to anyone including homeowners, landlords, private renters and social housing tenants – provided that their property falls into in council tax band A to D in England or A to E in Scotland and Wales.

In addition to this criteria the property itself must also have an Energy Performance Certificate rating (EPC) of D or below.

If you’re not sure if your home has an EPC you can check the EPC register >>>

If you’re a tenant, speak to your landlord before you apply as you’ll need their permission before any insulation can be installed.

It’s estimated that around 300,000 families will qualify for an energy efficiency grant under GBIS.

How To  Apply For A GBIS Grant

The application process is made very simple. Before you can apply you’ll need to check your eligibility by way of an official questionaire on the Government website (it’s very simple and only yakes a minute or two). Start Now >>>

You’ll be asked:

  • details about the property to enable EPC’s and council bands to be checked
  • your energy supplier
  • the total household income
  • the type of benefits anyone living in the property receives – you may be eligible for additional support
  • your email address or phone number so your energy supplier can contact you if you’re eligible

If you’re eligible for support, your energy supplier will then contact you and arrange an assessment of the property.

If you need to pay anything, you’ll find out after the assessment.

At this stage there is no commitment – once you have all the details and costs you can then decide whether to go ahead or not.

GBIS - Check Eligibility & Apply