The Great British Insulation Scheme closed on 31 March 2026. It funded insulation measures only and never covered windows or glazing. The scheme, run by Ofgem, targets homes in lower council tax bands with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below (GOV.UK, 2026).
- The scheme offers free or discounted loft and cavity wall insulation.
- Eligibility requires council tax bands A-D in England or A-E in Scotland and Wales.
- Apply online through Ofgem or approved TrustMark or MCS installers.
Eligibility depends on your property’s council tax band and EPC rating. The scheme is designed for homes that lack basic insulation measures, such as unfilled cavity walls or uninsulated lofts, and where the householder receives certain means-tested benefits. It does not cover solid wall insulation or other more complex improvements. Funding is limited, so applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis through approved installers like those registered with TrustMark or MCS.
Eligibility criteria and qualifying benefits
To qualify, your home must be in council tax bands A-D in England or A-E in Scotland and Wales, and have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. You also need to receive one of several benefits, including Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or Child Tax Credit (GOV.UK, 2026). The scheme covers cavity wall insulation, loft insulation up to 270mm thick, and underfloor insulation in some cases. If you do not receive benefits but your home is in the lowest EPC bands, you may still qualify under a separate route for low-income areas.
How the application process works
You apply online through the official GOV.UK portal or via an approved installer, such as those listed on the TrustMark website. An assessor will visit your home to confirm eligibility and identify which insulation measures are suitable. If approved, the installation is fully funded by the scheme, with no cost to you for the work itself (TrustMark, 2026). The installer handles all paperwork, including the necessary certifications and EPC updates. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks from application to completion.
Energy savings and long-term benefits
The Energy Saving Trust estimates that cavity wall insulation saves a typical home around £300 per year on heating bills, while loft insulation saves approximately £200 per year (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). These savings can be higher for older homes with poor existing insulation. The scheme also improves your home’s EPC rating by at least one band, which can increase property value. However, the scheme does not cover solid wall insulation, so homes with solid walls should look into the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) instead.
A worked example
A typical 1930s semi-detached home in Manchester with uninsulated cavity walls and a loft with only 50mm of insulation could save around £420 per year on energy bills under the Great British Insulation Scheme. The homeowner qualifies because the property is in council tax band B with an EPC rating of E, and the household receives Pension Credit. An approved TrustMark installer fills the cavity walls and tops up the loft insulation to the full 270mm standard. The total cost of the work is £2,800, but the scheme covers it entirely, the household pays nothing upfront. According to the Energy Saving Trust, the combined measures reduce heat loss by roughly 35%, cutting annual gas usage by about 3,200 kWh. With 0% VAT applied until March 2027, the yearly saving of £420 continues for the lifetime of the insulation, which typically exceeds 25 years.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Upfront cost after grants | £0 |
| Yearly savings | £420 |
| Payback period | Immediate |
| 25-year lifetime savings | £10,500 |
What homeowners often get wrong
The most common mistake is assuming the scheme covers all types of insulation, including solid wall or floor insulation. Here are three frequent errors that cost homeowners time and money.
- The Great British Insulation Scheme closed on 31 March 2026. It funded insulation measures only and never covered windows or glazing. Homeowners with solid brick or stone walls who apply expecting free solid wall insulation will be rejected and lose their place in the queue, wasting months of waiting time.
- Thinking EPC rating alone determines eligibility Many believe a low EPC rating automatically qualifies them, but the scheme also requires the home to be in specific council tax bands, A to D in England. A homeowner with an EPC of F in council tax band E will be refused, missing out on up to £2,800 worth of free insulation.
- Believing the scheme covers underfloor insulation The programme explicitly excludes underfloor insulation, but some homeowners apply for it anyway. This misunderstanding leads to a rejected application and delays getting the loft or cavity insulation they actually need, potentially voiding any warranty on existing insulation work.
Quick reference
- The Great British Insulation Scheme closed on 31 March 2026. It funded insulation measures only and never covered windows or glazing.
- Eligibility requires your home to be in council tax bands A-D in England or A-E in Scotland and Wales.
- You must receive a qualifying benefit such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or Child Tax Credit to apply.
- Typical annual savings for a semi-detached home are between £300 and £450 after installation.
- Funding is first-come first-served, so delaying your application could mean missing out entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must also receive a means-tested benefit like Pension Credit or Universal Credit, per GOV.UK.
It does not cover solid wall insulation or other complex improvements, as confirmed by Ofgem.
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
