Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS): Free Insulation for UK Homes
The Great British Insulation Scheme provides free or heavily subsidised insulation for millions of UK homes. Unlike ECO4, you do not need to be on benefits to qualify. If your home is in Council Tax bands A to D (A to E in Scotland and Wales) and has an EPC rating of D or below, you may be eligible. The scheme closes on 31 March 2026, so time is running out.
Who qualifies
GBIS has two groups.
General Group (no benefits required)
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Council Tax band | A to D in England (A to E in Scotland and Wales) |
| EPC rating | D, E, F, or G |
| Benefits required? | No |
| Property type | Owner-occupied or privately rented (with landlord permission) |
This is the key difference from ECO4. GBIS General Group is open to millions of homeowners regardless of income.
Low-Income Group
If you receive a means-tested benefit (the same qualifying benefits as ECO4), you qualify for the Low-Income Group regardless of your Council Tax band. This provides access to a wider range of measures.
What GBIS covers
GBIS focuses on single insulation measures rather than the whole-house approach of ECO4. The most common measures are:
| Measure | Annual saving | Your cost |
|---|---|---|
| Loft insulation (to 270mm) | £135 to £355 | Free |
| Cavity wall insulation | £170 to £395 | Free |
| Room-in-roof insulation | £200 to £400 | Free or subsidised |
| Flat roof insulation | £100 to £200 | Free or subsidised |
| Underfloor insulation | £40 to £115 | Free or subsidised |
Savings from Energy Saving Trust. Gas heating at Ofgem Q1 2026 rates.
GBIS vs ECO4
| Feature | GBIS | ECO4 |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits required? | No (General Group) | Yes (or Flex referral) |
| Approach | Single insulation measure | Whole-house retrofit |
| Measures | Insulation only | Insulation, heating, controls |
| Maximum value | Varies (typically £1,000 to £5,000) | Up to £10,000+ |
| Closing date | 31 March 2026 | 31 December 2026 |
| EPC requirement | D, E, F, or G | D, E, F, or G |
If you qualify for both, ECO4 typically provides more comprehensive support. GBIS is the faster route for a single insulation upgrade.
GBIS closes 31 March 2026
Unlike ECO4 (which runs to December 2026), GBIS ends in March. If you want free insulation without needing to be on benefits, apply now. After March, GBIS will be replaced by the Warm Homes Plan but the exact successor scheme details are not yet confirmed.
How to apply
Step 1: Check your Council Tax band on GOV.UK. You need A to D in England (A to E in Scotland/Wales).
Step 2: Check your EPC rating on GOV.UK. You need D or below.
Step 3: Contact your energy supplier and ask about GBIS. The six obligated suppliers are British Gas, EDF, E.ON, OVO, Scottish Power, and Octopus Energy. You can also contact a TrustMark-registered installer directly.
Step 4: An installer visits, assesses your property, and installs the insulation. Typical turnaround is 2 to 6 weeks from first contact to installation.
Use our grant eligibility checker to see if you qualify for GBIS, ECO4, or both.
After insulating, track your savings with an energy monitor. Seal remaining draughts with draught excluder strips. Check for damp with a damp meter.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be on benefits for GBIS?
No. The General Group is open to anyone in Council Tax bands A to D with an EPC of D or below. This is the key difference from ECO4.
When does GBIS close?
31 March 2026. Apply now. It will be replaced by the Warm Homes Plan but successor scheme details are not yet confirmed.
Can I get GBIS and ECO4?
If you qualify for both, you can potentially receive measures from each scheme, but not the same measure twice. Use our grant checker.
Data sources
Scheme details from GOV.UK. Savings from Energy Saving Trust. Ofgem data from Ofgem.