Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
Complete guide to the GBIS grant scheme - free and subsidized home insulation for low-income households across Great Britain
Check Your GBIS EligibilityWhat is the Great British Insulation Scheme?
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a UK government initiative launched in June 2023 to help low-income households improve their home energy efficiency through free or heavily subsidized insulation measures.
GBIS replaced the previous ECO+ scheme and runs until March 2026, providing insulation upgrades to approximately 300,000 homes across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Key Difference from ECO4:
While ECO4 focuses on the most vulnerable households (benefits recipients), GBIS specifically targets low-income households (under £36,000) with poor insulation, making it accessible to more homeowners who don't receive benefits but still struggle with energy costs.
Who Qualifies for GBIS?
To qualify for the Great British Insulation Scheme, you must meet ALL of the following criteria:
1. Low Income Household
Your household income must be under £36,000 per year (gross, before tax). This is assessed using Council Tax Band as a proxy:
2. Poor Energy Efficiency
Your property must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G. If you don't have a valid EPC, the installer can arrange one (usually free).
3. Property Requirements
- •Owner-occupier (own your home) OR private rental tenant with landlord permission
- •Property located in England, Scotland, or Wales
- •Property suitable for insulation upgrades (survey required)
Note for Higher Council Tax Bands:
If your property is in Council Tax Band E or above but your household income is still under £36,000, you may still qualify through the "LA Flex" route - ask your installer about income verification options.
What Insulation Measures are Covered?
GBIS covers a wide range of insulation measures. The specific measures you'll receive depend on your property's current insulation levels and suitability:
Primary Measures (Single Upgrade)
Advanced Measures (May Require Contribution)
Important - Contribution May Apply:
While GBIS primarily covers "simple" insulation measures (cavity wall, loft) for free, more expensive measures like external wall insulation may require a homeowner contribution of typically 10-30% of the cost.
Your installer will assess your property and provide a clear breakdown of what's covered at no cost vs. any contribution required.
GBIS vs ECO4: What's the Difference?
Both GBIS and ECO4 are government energy efficiency schemes, but they target different groups:
| Feature | GBIS | ECO4 |
|---|---|---|
| Target Group | Low-income households (under £36k) | Benefits recipients + low income |
| Focus | Insulation only | Insulation + heating + renewables |
| Measures Covered | Cavity wall, loft, EWI, IWI, floor | All insulation + boilers + heat pumps + solar |
| Typical Cost to You | Free (simple measures) or 10-30% contribution | Free (if eligible via benefits) |
| End Date | March 2026 | March 2026 |
Good news: You may qualify for both schemes! If you're on benefits AND your income is under £36k, you can access the wider ECO4 scheme which covers heating upgrades too. If you're low-income but not on benefits, GBIS provides focused insulation support.
How to Apply for GBIS
The application process is straightforward and managed by participating energy companies and their installers:
Check Eligibility
Use our eligibility checker or contact an approved installer. You'll need your postcode, Council Tax band, and EPC rating (if available).
Property Survey
An accredited surveyor visits your home (free) to assess which insulation measures are suitable. They'll check current insulation levels, property structure, and any potential issues.
Quote & Approval
You receive a quote showing what measures are covered and any contribution required. Review and approve the work (no obligation).
Installation
Certified installers complete the work (typically 1-3 days depending on measures). All work is guaranteed and meets industry standards.
Completion & Certification
Your installer provides warranties, guarantees, and completion certificates. Your home is now warmer, more efficient, and worth more!
Ready to Start?
Check your eligibility and get free quotes from approved GBIS installers in your area
Get Free GBIS AssessmentBenefits of GBIS Insulation
Lower Energy Bills
Proper insulation can reduce heating bills by 25-40%. For a typical 3-bed home, that's £300-500 per year in savings.
Warmer Home
Better insulation means more comfortable temperatures year-round. No more cold spots or draughts.
Higher Property Value
Improved EPC rating makes your home more attractive to buyers and can increase property value by 5-10%.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Less energy usage means lower CO2 emissions. A well-insulated home can save 1-2 tonnes of CO2 annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GBIS completely free?
Simple measures like cavity wall and loft insulation are typically 100% free for eligible households. More expensive measures like external wall insulation may require a contribution of 10-30% of the cost, though this varies by installer and circumstances.
Can I get GBIS if I'm a private tenant?
Yes, private tenants can access GBIS with their landlord's permission. The landlord doesn't need to contribute financially, but must consent to the work. This is a great opportunity for tenants to improve their living conditions at no cost to themselves or their landlord.
What if I already have some insulation?
GBIS can top-up existing insulation. For example, if you have 100mm of loft insulation, you can upgrade to the recommended 270mm. Similarly, if you have cavity wall insulation on some walls but not others, the remaining walls can be completed.
How long does GBIS installation take?
Simple measures like cavity wall or loft insulation typically take 1-2 days. External wall insulation is more extensive and can take 2-4 weeks depending on property size. Your installer will provide a detailed timeline during the survey.
Is there a warranty on GBIS work?
Yes, all GBIS installations come with a 25-year insurance-backed guarantee through government-approved schemes. This covers any defects or issues with the installation. You'll also receive manufacturer warranties on materials.
What if my application is rejected?
If you don't qualify for GBIS but have a household income under £36k, you may still be eligible for ECO4 if you receive certain benefits. Additionally, your installer may offer commercial financing options or you could explore local authority schemes.
Apply for Great British Insulation Scheme Today
Take advantage of free insulation upgrades and start saving on your energy bills. The scheme runs until 2026 - don't miss out!
Check GBIS Eligibility Now