Introducing the GBIS, the Great British Insulation Scheme, previously known as ECO+. This government program aims to help families protect their houses, improve energy efficiency, and lower energy bills. The GBIS started in 2023 and will run until March 2026. Now, it’s time to discover how this £1 billion incentive can help families across the UK.
Here, we will discuss the scheme’s specifics, eligibility criteria, and the range of insulation measures available.
What is the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)?
The UK government has promised Net Zero by 2050. Several energy-saving free insulation grants have been launched to support this goal. The Great British Insulation Scheme will focus on adding insulation measures (such as loft and cavity wall insulation). The UK government believes the scheme will make around 300,000 homes more energy efficient. Eligible households with free insulation upgrades will see their bills lowered by around £300-400 yearly.
Why Should You Insulate Your Home Through the GBIS?
Insulation is essential for many reasons, the following are just a few:
- Home insulation helps avoid heat loss during colder months. And it also keeps cooler air inside when the weather improves.
- Insulating your home also has health benefits, including avoiding dampness. That causes mould and mildew.
- Insulation is more climate-friendly, as you don’t need to waste energy heating your house.
Objectives of the Great British Insulation Scheme
The Great British Insulation Scheme has a clear goal: to give single insulation measures to two main groups of users. The first group comprises low-income people who do not meet the basic standards for ECO4 help. The GBIS aims to provide valuable steps to protect their living conditions. The second group includes homes based on council tax band and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. Thus, it covers a complete range of people who can benefit from energy-saving improvements.
Eligibility: Who Can Qualify for the GBIS?
The Great British Insulation Scheme is divided into two groups. The first is a general group that anyone can apply for, and the second targets needy families. You may apply for the low-income stream if you claim certain benefits or your total family income is below a certain level. But you can access funds through the general group as well.
The Low-Income Group
- Occupants are on one of the benefits below and have an EPC rating of G-D
- Child Benefit
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credits
- Working Tax Credits
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Pension Credit Savings Credit
- Housing Benefit
The General Group
- Council tax categories A-D in England and A-E in Scotland and Wales & EPC grade of G-D
- If private-rented, it can only have a higher cost insulating measure (e.g., not Loft insulating or Cavity Wall Insulation)
Available Measures Under the GBIS
The Great British Insulation Scheme provides various solutions to fulfill varied insulation requirements. These metrics include:
- Cavity Wall Insulation
- Internal Wall Insulation
- External Wall Insulation
- Loft Insulation
- Underfloor Insulation
- Pitched and Flat Roof Insulation
- Room-in-Roof Insulation
- Park Home Insulation
- Solid Floor Insulation
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the GBIS
Here is the step-by-step process to apply for a Great British Insulation Scheme grant:
- Apply for a grant online (you may need to provide details about your family and your land)
- Your property will be evaluated; if suitable, a registered engineer will arrange to survey it.
- Once the inspection is complete, you’ll be informed of insulation choices, including any insulating costs (if relevant)
- If you decide to continue, a delivery date will be agreed upon at a convenient time. If you need to pay anything towards the installation cost, the licensed provider will ask for payment before the installation.
- The registered provider completes your new system.
What is the Wait Time for the Free GBIS Grant Installation?
Waiting times for insulation placement are generally between 2 and 4 weeks. Timings may change based on the insulation type, the length of the grant application process, the demand for installers in your area, and the funds available.
Benefits of the GBIS
The key perks of the Great British Insulation Scheme include:
- Lower energy costs – families can save £300-£400 per year on average.
- Warmer homes – insulation makes houses more comfy by reducing draughts and keeping heat.
- Reduced carbon pollution – insulation means less energy is spent heating houses, cutting carbon footprints.
- Support those in need – The scheme targets less wealthy people in energy-inefficient homes.
- Professional installation: Our professional engineers will do the installation.
Summary
Hence, the Great British Insulation Scheme is aimed to provide free grants to lower-income people with low energy efficiency scores. Specifically, homeowners and tenants (private or social housing) with homes in Council Tax bands A-D in England or bands A-E in Scotland and Wales can be eligible.
In addition, qualifying houses must have an EPC energy efficiency rating of D or below. So, in short, to qualify, your home must:
- Be in a low Council Tax band.
- Have an EPC rating of D or below.
- Be located in England, Scotland, or Wales.