Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
GBIS offered subsidised cavity wall and loft insulation across England, Wales, and Scotland. It closed on 31 March 2026, and the GOV.UK referral service is no longer taking applications. No extension has been announced. If you still need help with insulation costs, other schemes are available.
This scheme has closed
GBIS ended on 31 March 2026. If you need help with insulation costs, check whether you qualify for ECO4 or the Warm Homes: Local Grant.
Overview
The idea behind GBIS was simple enough: subsidise insulation for the homes that needed it most. It focused on properties with poor EPC ratings and households in lower council tax bands or on low incomes. The scheme ran across England, Wales, and Scotland.
So what does this actually mean for your home now? If you were counting on GBIS for insulation, you'll need to look at alternatives. The good news is that ECO4 and the Warm Homes: Local Grant both cover insulation for eligible households.
What It Covered
- Subsidised cavity wall insulation
- Subsidised loft insulation
- Coverage across Great Britain
Eligibility (When Open)
- Homes in EPC bands D-G
- Specific council tax bands (varied by region)
- Households meeting low-income criteria
Key Dates
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Great British Insulation Scheme still open?
No, it's closed. GBIS shut on 31 March 2026, and the GOV.UK referral service stopped accepting applications at the same time. There's been no announcement about an extension.
What were the eligibility criteria for GBIS?
The scheme targeted homes with an EPC rating of D to G, in specific council tax bands, or where the household met low-income criteria. It covered cavity wall and loft insulation across England, Wales, and Scotland.
What alternatives are available now that GBIS has closed?
You've still got options. If you're on a low income, ECO4 can cover free insulation until December 2026. The Warm Homes: Local Grant is open to households earning under £36,000 in England. Run our eligibility checker to see exactly which schemes fit your situation.
Will GBIS be replaced by another scheme?
Nothing has been confirmed. The Warm Homes Plan does include insulation funding through other sub-programmes, but there's no like-for-like replacement for GBIS. If insulation is what you need, check ECO4 or the Warm Homes: Local Grant instead.
Source
Everything on this page comes from GOV.UK. View on GOV.UK