The Great British Insulation Scheme offers free or discounted home insulation to eligible UK households. Learn how you could save on energy bills, improve your home's efficiency and apply with Snugg.

Keeping your home warm and cosy doesn't have to cost the earth. The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is designed to help you save money on your energy bills and make your home more energy-efficient. 

Here, we’ve got everything you need to know about this government initiative.

What is the Great British Insulation scheme?

Launched in April 2023, the Great British Insulation Scheme is a one-billion pound government program aimed at helping around 300,000 households across England, Scotland and Wales improve their home's energy efficiency. The scheme provides free or heavily discounted insulation to eligible homes, with the goal of reducing energy bills and cutting carbon emissions.

It targets low-income and vulnerable households, as well as homes with Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings between D and G. Eligibility extends to households within Council Tax bands A-D in England and A-E in Scotland and Wales.
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What is the GBIS Scheme 2024?

The GBIS continues to run in 2024, offering the same benefits as when it launched. It's set to continue until March 2026, so there's still plenty of time to take advantage of the scheme if you're eligible.
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What does GBIS cover?

The scheme offers insulation options for different property needs::

• Cavity wall insulation
• Loft insulation
• Solid wall insulation (internal or external)
• Flat or pitched roof insulation
• Underfloor insulation
• Solid floor insulation
• Park home insulation
• Room-in-roof insulation
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How does GBIS work? 

GBIS works by having energy suppliers help eligible households save on energy.

Here's how it typically works:

1. Check your eligibility through the official government portal or an energy supplier.
2. If you're eligible, an energy supplier will contact you to arrange a property assessment.
3. Based on the assessment, they'll recommend the most suitable insulation measure for your home.
4. You'll be informed of any costs you may need to contribute.
5. If you agree, the insulation will be installed by approved installers.
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Is the Great British Insulation Scheme free?

The scheme isn't always free, but it can significantly reduce the cost of insulation for many households. For the low-income group, insulation may be fully funded. The general group may need to contribute towards the cost, but will still receive substantial subsidies.
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Who is eligible? Who qualifies for the insulation grant?

The GBIS targets two main groups. Low-income groups, where the total household income is under £31,000 per year. Or people  are receiving certain benefits like Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or Pension Credit

Then there’s the general group, which includes homeowners or tenants in properties with EPC ratings D to G. Or people living in Council Tax bands A to D in England or A to E in Scotland and Wales
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What to expect before you apply

Before applying, it's a good idea to check your property's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. You can find this online if you don't have a paper copy.

IHave information about your household income and any benefits you receive ready. You should also be prepared for a home survey to assess what insulation measures are suitable for your property.
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How to apply?

Applying for the GBIS is straightforward:

1. Visit the official UK government portal for GBIS or check with participating energy suppliers.
2. Use an online eligibility checker or contact energy suppliers directly.
3. Provide necessary information about your household income, benefits, and property details.
4. If eligible, you'll be contacted to arrange the next steps.

Remember that you don't have to be a customer of a particular energy supplier to apply through them for the GBIS.
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Why insulate your home?

Insulating your home can prove to be a smart move that makes a big difference. Here are the main benefits of adding insulation to your property:
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Lower energy bills

Good insulation can cut heat loss by up to 60%, potentially saving you £650 of pounds each year on energy costs.
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Reduced carbon footprint

Using less energy to heat your home will help lower your carbon emissions by 1.7 tonnes a year, combating climate change in the process.
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Healthier living environment

Proper insulation helps control moisture levels and reduce the risk of mould. It also helps with health issues like asthma and respiratory problems.
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Increased property value

A well-insulated home often has a better Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, which can make it more attractive to potential buyers or renters.

With these benefits in mind, the Great British Insulation Scheme offers a great opportunity to improve your home's efficiency and comfort while saving money.
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FAQs

Do pensioners get free home insulation? 

Pensioners may qualify for free insulation if they meet the low-income criteria or fall within the general group eligibility. It's worth checking your eligibility even if you're not sure.
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How much does insulating cost in Britain? 

The cost of insulation varies depending on the type of insulation and property size. Without the GBIS, loft insulation for a typical three-bedroom semi-detached house might cost £300 to £400. 

Cavity wall insulation for the same property could be around £500 to £600. With GBIS, these costs may be fully covered or significantly reduced.
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How much does it cost to insulate a loft?

Loft insulation typically costs between £300 and £400 for a medium-sized home. However, under the GBIS, you might be able to get this done for free or for a much lower cost, depending on your eligibility.

Who qualifies for the Eco Plus scheme? The Eco Plus scheme was the working name for what became the Great British Insulation Scheme. The eligibility criteria are the same as those outlined for GBIS above.
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Can I get a grant for external insulation? 

Yes, solid wall insulation, including external insulation, is covered under GBIS. This can be particularly beneficial for homes built before the 1920s that often have solid walls.
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What are the rules for loft insulation in the UK in 2024? 

The current recommendation is for loft insulation to be at least 270mm thick. If your loft insulation is less than this, you may be eligible for a top-up under the GBIS.
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How long is the waiting time for the Great British insulation scheme? 

Waiting times can vary depending on demand and your location. Typically, you might expect to wait two to four weeks from application to installation, but it could be longer during busy periods.
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What is the difference between ECO4 and GBIS? 

While both schemes aim to improve home energy efficiency, they work slightly differently:

• ECO4 focuses on a 'whole house' approach, often involving multiple improvements to a property.
• GBIS primarily delivers single insulation measures, making it quicker and simpler to implement for many households.
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All you need to know about the Great British Insulation scheme

The Great British Insulation Scheme offers a fantastic opportunity to improve your home's energy efficiency and potentially save hundreds of pounds on your energy bills each year. With the scheme running until 2026, now's the time to check your eligibility and take steps towards a warmer, more efficient home. 

The sooner you apply, the sooner you could start enjoying the benefits of a well-insulated home.