The Great British Insulation Scheme closes for new applications on 31 March 2026
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has confirmed that the Great British Insulation Scheme will stop accepting new applications on 31 March 2026 (DESNZ, 2026). All applications must be submitted before this deadline; no new applications will be accepted after this date. Households that have already applied and been approved will still receive their insulation installation if completed within the scheme’s timeframe.
The Great British Insulation Scheme ends for new applications on 31 March 2026. Eligible households pay £0 to £1,500 for insulation, with cavity wall savings of £200–£300 per year.
- Apply by 31 March 2026 before the scheme closes.
- Low-income households pay £0 for insulation installation.
- Typical household contribution ranges from £0 to £1,500.
- Cavity wall insulation saves £200–£300 per year on bills.
- Only homes with EPC rating D or below are eligible.
- The Great British Insulation Scheme closes for new applications on 31 March 2026
- Installing insulation through the scheme costs eligible households an average of £0 to £1,500
- The scheme targets homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below
- Quick numbers key costs, savings, and deadlines in one table
- The direct answer the Great British Insulation Scheme ends on 31 March 2026 for new applications
- To apply, you need an MCS-certified installer or a TrustMark-approved contractor
- Eligibility depends on your property type, income, and council tax band
Installing insulation through the scheme costs eligible households an average of £0 to £1,500
The scheme covers 100% of costs for households on low incomes or receiving certain benefits, meaning no upfront payment is required. For other eligible households, the typical contribution ranges from £0 to £1,500 depending on property size and insulation type. The Energy Saving Trust reports that cavity wall insulation alone can save a typical home £200–£300 annually on heating bills (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
The scheme targets homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below
Only homes with an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G in England, Scotland, or Wales are eligible for the scheme. The scheme prioritises properties that have not previously received government-funded insulation measures. Homeowners can check their EPC rating via the GOV.UK EPC register (DESNZ, 2026).
Quick numbers key costs, savings, and deadlines in one table
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme deadline for new applications | 31 March 2026 | DESNZ |
| Average household cost contribution | £0 to £1,500 | DESNZ |
| Typical annual saving from cavity wall insulation | £200–£300 | Energy Saving Trust |
| Maximum grant value per household | Up to £1,500 | DESNZ |
| Number of homes targeted | 300,000 | DESNZ |
The direct answer the Great British Insulation Scheme ends on 31 March 2026 for new applications
The scheme’s application window closes on 31 March 2026. No extensions or new phases have been announced as of 2026. Households should apply before this date to avoid missing the opportunity (DESNZ, 2026).
To apply, you need an MCS-certified installer or a TrustMark-approved contractor
All insulation work under the scheme must be carried out by an installer registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or TrustMark. For gas boiler or heating system upgrades linked to insulation, Gas Safe Register registration is also required. Homeowners can verify an installer’s certification on the MCS website or TrustMark database (MCS, 2026; TrustMark, 2026; Gas Safe Register, 2026). how to find an approved insulation installer
Eligibility depends on your property type, income, and council tax band
The scheme is open to owner-occupiers, private tenants, and social housing tenants in England, Scotland, and Wales. Income thresholds apply: households receiving means-tested benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Pension Credit) qualify automatically. For others, eligibility is based on the property’s council tax band (typically bands A–D, varying by region) and income below £31,000 (DESNZ, 2026). The Great British Insulation Scheme closed on 31 March 2026. It funded insulation measures only and never covered windows or glazing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Great British Insulation Scheme stops accepting new applications on 31 March 2026. DESNZ confirmed no extensions will be offered.
Other households typically contribute between £0 and £1,500, depending on property size and insulation type, according to DESNZ.
The scheme prioritises properties that have not received previous government-funded insulation, as per DESNZ.
Approved applications already submitted will still be processed within the scheme's timeframe.
The scheme targets up to 300,000 homes.
