What Is the Great British Insulation Scheme?
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a government programme that funds insulation improvements for homes with a low EPC rating, with a particular focus on households that are at risk of fuel poverty. It runs alongside - but separately from - ECO4, and is designed to reach a broader range of households, including some who would not qualify for the more intensive ECO4 measures.
GBIS typically funds one primary insulation measure per household rather than multiple measures, making it a more targeted intervention than ECO4. The scheme is delivered through energy suppliers and registered installers, and is administered by Ofgem.
GBIS has a wider eligibility net than ECO4. Even households that do not receive means-tested benefits may qualify if their home has an EPC rating of D or below and falls within the relevant council tax bands.
Who Qualifies for GBIS?
GBIS divides eligible households into two groups:
Group A - Benefits-based (fully funded):
- Universal Credit recipients
- Pension Credit recipients
- Income-based JSA or ESA
- Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit or Income Support
- Child Benefit (subject to income threshold)
Group B - Lower council tax band (may require contribution):
- Council tax band A-D in England, or A-E in Scotland and Wales
- EPC rating of D, E, F or G
- Not already in Group A (benefits recipients are assessed under Group A first)
Group B households may be asked to contribute towards the cost of installation. The amount depends on the measure, the installer and any local authority top-up funding available in your area.
What Does GBIS Cover?
GBIS funds a single primary insulation measure per household. The measure offered will be based on a property assessment that determines what will achieve the greatest improvement in energy performance. Available measures include:
- Cavity wall insulation - filling the cavity between the inner and outer brick or block skins
- Loft insulation - topping up insufficient loft insulation or first-time installation
- Solid wall insulation - internal or external insulation boards for non-cavity walls
- Underfloor insulation - insulating suspended timber ground floors
- Flat roof insulation - for properties with flat roof extensions or sections
- Room-in-roof insulation - insulating the sloping ceiling areas of converted loft rooms
- Park home insulation - for residents of park homes and mobile homes
GBIS does not cover heating system replacement or heat pump installation - those are covered by ECO4 and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme respectively.
GBIS vs ECO4 - What's the Difference?
Both schemes fund insulation measures, but there are important differences:
- ECO4 can fund multiple measures per household including heating upgrades, and is focused on the lowest-income or most vulnerable households
- GBIS funds a single measure per household, but has a wider income eligibility net (Group B does not require benefits)
- A household that qualifies for ECO4 will typically be offered ECO4 in preference to GBIS, as ECO4 can deliver greater improvements
- Some households may benefit from both schemes if their property needs more than one measure
How to Apply
- Check your EPC rating on the government's energy performance certificate register at find-energy-certificate.service.gov.uk. If you do not have a current EPC, an installer can arrange one as part of the assessment.
- Contact a GBIS registered installer or broker, or visit the Simple Energy Advice service. They will carry out a free home assessment to determine which measure is most suitable and confirm eligibility.
- Confirm any contribution required. Group A households typically pay nothing. Group B households may be asked to contribute; the installer must explain this clearly before any work proceeds.
- Schedule the installation. Most insulation measures can be completed in a single day. The installer handles the paperwork and claims funding directly from the energy supplier.
Check eligibility at Simple Energy Advice →