How To Check Great British Insulation Scheme Eligibility For Your UK Household?

The Great British Insulation Scheme makes keeping your home warm and energy-efficient easier than ever. This new government scheme would upgrade the insulation of a household in the UK, with the addition of cosier homes and cheaper heating bills.

So, the scheme would retrofit 300,000 homes. With a particular emphasis on properties rated D and below under the Energy Performance Certificate. It would provide financial support to eligible homes for roof, loft, or cavity wall insulation. So it prevents heat loss and saves up to £310 annually in energy bills.

What is the Great British Insulation Scheme?

The Great British Insulation Scheme is a scheme brought about by the government to regularise energy efficiency in the home, thus making it more efficient for the people of Great Britain. This is being run by Ofgem. And it is among such schemes that will target the least energy-efficient homes to be well-insulated. Thereby cutting household energy bills and lowering carbon emissions.

The measures provided are generally single insulation, that is, either cavity wall or loft insulation, unlike the ECO4 scheme, which was on a whole-house approach. It is open to low-income households, those on qualifying benefits, or homes rated EPC D to G.

This is due to be funded by medium and larger energy firms. And it will lead from April 2023 until the end of March 2026. So, it’s absolutely a brilliant opportunity to go ahead and make your home warm, cost-effective, and energy-efficient.

How to Check GBIS Eligibility for Your UK Household

Checking your eligibility for the Great British Insulation Scheme is pretty easy. Here’s what you need to know:

EPC Rating

Your home must have a current EPC rating of D, E, F or G.

The Council Tax Bands

• England: Your property must be in one of council tax bands A to D.
• Scotland/Wales: Bands A to E qualify.

Household Benefits

You may be eligible if you or your household currently receive any of the following government benefits:

• Jobseeker’s allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit

Homeownership or Rental Status

• It is available to all homeowners with an EPC rating of D to G.
• These also apply to private renters whose rating in their home is at D or E.

If you meet these criteria, your home could receive insulation upgrades for free through GBIS. So, look into your property’s EPC and council tax band to assess your possible eligibility!

Which UK Households are Eligible for the Insulation Scheme?

The Great British Insulation Scheme aims at older, less-insulated properties, which often face higher energy bills and greater heat loss. A summary of who might be eligible follows:

• Homes with an EPC Rating of D to G

If your home has an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G, it is likely losing heat quickly and costing more to keep warm. The Scheme makes sure to give preference to these energy-inefficient homes. So it aims at helping homeowners save an excellent deal of money on the consumption side. And it also reduces your carbon emissions.

• Poor and Vulnerable Households

The scheme supports those households that are on a tight budget. It is mainly focused on those receiving government benefits related to Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Child Tax Credit. Such grants make energy-efficient upgrades affordable for them, contribute to the fight against fuel poverty, and provide them with a warm living space.

• Housing in the Lower Council Tax bands

The scheme targets properties in council tax bands A to D in England and A to E in Scotland and Wales. Energy upgrades are a much-needed relief for these households, which often face higher financial pressure.

• Private Tenants and Landlords

Private tenants and landlords are also eligible. Landlords will be able to make their properties more attractive to tenants by improving their energy efficiency. In contrast, tenants will see their energy bills reduced and enjoy warmer homes without having to pay the costs of upgrades.

Types of Insulation Available Under the Scheme

The Great British Insulation Scheme offers a selection of insulated options to assist in positively changing your home into an ecologically friendly residence:

• Cavity wall insulation, including party walls
• Loft insulation
• Solid wall insulation
• Insulation of pitched roof and flat roof
• Under-floor and solid floor insulation
• Park home insulation
• Room-in-roof insulation

For low-income households, the package of additional heating controls might include room thermostats. For more expensive improvements, though, such as solid wall insulation, a limited household contribution may apply.

Benefits That the Free Insulation Scheme Brings to Your Household

• Save hundreds on energy bills every year.
• It will help to keep your house warmer in winter and cooler during summer.
• Reduce your carbon footprint with higher-efficiency energy.
• Enjoy a more comfortable and consistent indoor temperature.
• Improve the value and desirability of your property.
• Lower maintenance costs by putting less wear on your heating system.

How to Apply

This insulation is really easy to apply for using this free insulation grant. First, check if you qualify based on your total household income and any benefits you or others in the property receive. You will have to provide an email address or telephone number to your energy supplier. 

They will contact you if you qualify. Then, they will make an appointment for a property assessment. If there are any costs, you will be informed after a survey. You can either go ahead and proceed or opt-out if you don’t agree with the assessment or costs.

The Bottom Line

The Great British Insulation Scheme is a fantastic opportunity to make your home warmer, more energy-efficient, and cheaper to heat. Whether it’s saving money, comfort, or doing your bit for the environment, this scheme is worth looking into. Don’t wait – check your eligibility today!