⚡ Key Takeaways
- Before closure, open to properties in council tax bands A-D (England) or A-E (Scotland and Wales)
- Covers cavity wall insulation and loft insulation as single-measure upgrades
- No means test required — eligibility is based on property, not income
- Home must have an EPC rating of D-G
- Funded by energy supplier obligations (separate to ECO4)
- The GOV.UK referral service closed on 31 March 2026; current help now depends on other routes or existing supplier enquiries
⚠️GBIS referral service closed on 31 March 2026The GOV.UK referral route for new GBIS applications is now closed. Some suppliers may still handle existing enquiries; new applicants should check ECO4, LA Flex and Warm Homes routes. Check current grant routes →
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) was a UK government insulation programme for households in lower council tax bands or qualifying low-income groups. The GOV.UK referral service closed on 31 March 2026. Some suppliers may still handle existing enquiries, but new applicants should check ECO4, LA Flex, Warm Homes, local-authority and supplier-led insulation routes. Savings depend on property type, measure and installation quality.
What is the Great British Insulation Scheme?
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), formerly known as ECO+, is a UK government programme designed to improve home energy efficiency by providing free or heavily subsidised insulation to millions of households. It launched in March 2023 and the GOV.UK referral service closed on 31 March 2026.
Before the GOV.UK referral service closed, GBIS differed from ECO4 because it used a broader council tax band-based route as well as a low-income route. That historic eligibility can still help you understand the scheme, but it should not be treated as a current open application route.
GBIS was funded by energy suppliers as part of their obligations and delivered through approved installers. For current applications, check active ECO4, LA Flex, Warm Homes and supplier-led routes before arranging work.
Who was eligible for GBIS?
Before closure, GBIS had two eligibility groups:
General Group (no benefits needed)
- England: Home in council tax bands A, B, C, or D
- Scotland: Home in council tax bands A, B, C, D, or E
- Wales: Home in council tax bands A, B, C, D, or E
- Property must have an EPC confirming an insulation need
- Available to homeowners and private tenants (with landlord consent)
Low-income Group
Before closure, people receiving qualifying benefits (similar to ECO4 — Universal Credit energy grants, Pension Credit, etc.) could qualify regardless of council tax band. Check ECO4 or local authority routes for current support.
Key difference from ECO4: GBIS focuses purely on insulation and uses council tax bands for eligibility. ECO4 covers a wider range of measures but requires benefits. Many households that did not qualify for ECO4 could previously qualify for GBIS; current alternatives vary by postcode and property.
What insulation does GBIS cover?
| Insulation Type | Typical Savings | Installation Time | Disruption Level |
|---|
| Cavity wall insulation | £395/year | 2-3 hours | Low — drilled from outside |
| Loft insulation (full) | £590/year | Half a day | Low — laid between joists |
| Loft insulation (top-up) | £175/year | 2-3 hours | Very low |
| Flat roof insulation | £350/year | 1-2 days | Moderate |
| Room-in-roof insulation | £490/year | 1-2 days | Moderate |
GBIS vs ECO4: which one is right for you?
| Feature | GBIS | ECO4 |
|---|
| Main focus | Insulation only | Insulation + heating |
| Eligibility | Council tax band | Benefits-based |
| Benefits required? | No (general group) | Yes |
| Covers boilers? | No | Yes |
| Covers solar? | No | Yes |
| Status | GOV.UK referral service closed 31 March 2026 | Runs to December 2026 |
If you receive qualifying benefits, ECO4 or LA Flex may still support insulation and heating measures. Treat GBIS details as historic unless an installer or supplier is handling an existing enquiry.
What to do now
- Check current routes — Enter your postcode above to compare ECO4, LA Flex, Warm Homes and supplier-led options.
- Confirm scheme status — If you had an existing GBIS enquiry, ask the supplier or installer whether it can still proceed.
- Get a property assessment — A qualified installer should survey your home and confirm suitability, costs and funding in writing.
- Verify credentials — Check installer accreditation and guarantees before agreeing to work.
Why insulation matters
Insulation is the single most cost-effective way to reduce your energy bills permanently. An uninsulated home loses heat through:
- Walls: Up to 35% of heat escapes through uninsulated walls
- Roof: Up to 25% through an uninsulated loft
- Floors: Up to 10% through uninsulated floors
- Windows and doors: Up to 20% through draughts and single glazing
By insulating your walls and loft, you can cut heat loss by up to 60% — meaning your boiler or heat pump works less hard, your bills drop, and your home is more comfortable year-round.
Insulation and heat pumps: the perfect combination
If you're considering a heat pump, getting insulation first is crucial. Heat pumps are most efficient in well-insulated homes because they operate at lower temperatures than gas boilers. Funded insulation through ECO4, LA Flex, Warm Homes or supplier-led routes combined with a £7,500 BUS grant for a heat pump can be one of the most cost-effective upgrade paths where you qualify.
Common GBIS questions
Is GBIS really free?
For the general group, GBIS insulation is typically free or heavily subsidised. In most cases, there is no cost to the homeowner. If a small contribution is required, your installer will tell you upfront before any work begins.
My home is in council tax band E — can I still apply?
Before closure, England bands A-D qualified for the GBIS general group, with band E also included in Scotland and Wales. Now, use ECO4, LA Flex, Warm Homes and supplier-led checks for live support.
I already have some loft insulation — do I still qualify?
Possibly through current insulation routes. If your existing loft insulation is below recommended depth, an installer can confirm whether ECO4, LA Flex, Warm Homes or supplier-led support is available. Many older homes have only 100-150mm of insulation, well below current standards.
Will insulation cause damp or condensation?
Properly installed insulation should not cause damp. In fact, cavity wall insulation can help reduce condensation by keeping internal wall surfaces warmer. All GBIS installations must meet PAS standards and are carried out by qualified installers who assess for any damp issues before proceeding.