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GBIS Scheme
In March 2023, the British government started the GB Insulation Scheme. In fact, it’s a £1 billion plan of insulating 300,000 homes. The government, through GBIS Scheme, makes people use less energy and spend less money. Unlike ECO4, which covers whole houses, GBIS mainly does single insulation things. Additionally, GBIS Scheme works with ECO4 to give extra help. Basically, it’s a mission for homes that care about energy.
This scheme has many good things. It cuts energy bills and makes homes warm and safe. Plus, it wants to improve energy in Great Britain for the next two years. Moreover, it helps homes with low money, so they can also save energy. Formerly ECO Plus, the Great British Insulation Scheme makes homes efficient. The UK Government aims to achieve Net Zero. For this reason, it uses less harmful energy. Clearly, it’s inevitable for people and the country. Focusing on the worst homes, the Scheme is like oxygen.
What's the Great British Insulation Scheme?
Well, the scheme helps homes save energy. It gives support, like insulation, to qualifying homes. Two groups can get help – one for all homes and another for low-income ones. Moreover, the scheme looks at how energy-efficient a home is using SAP bands. These bands decide the help a home can get. The goal is to help all homes save energy. With a commitment to diverse housing, the Scheme aims to impact energy conservation.
SAP stands for “Standard Assessment Procedure.” It’s a method used to evaluate the energy efficiency of homes in the United Kingdom. In fact, SAP bands are like scores for homes. They tell us how good a home is at saving energy. The better the score, the more energy-efficient the home. The Great British Insulation Scheme looks at these bands to decide what help a home can get. It’s a way to make sure homes that need it the most get the right support to save energy.
How the Great British Insulation Scheme Works?
Energy companies join GBIS Scheme to support the agenda of using less energy. This helps achieve the UK’s energy-saving goals. Plus, it’s a part of the government’s plan for greener living. Additionally, the government requires energy companies to contribute. This truly ensures everyone plays a role in making homes more energy-efficient. Now, grants for insulation in GBIS aim to save you. So GBIS covers homes in Council Tax bands A-D in England and A-E in Scotland and Wales.
Types of Insulation Covered under GBIS Scheme
All types of insulation are covered under this scheme. However, the eligible household can get only one insulation measure at a time. Below are the insulation types that GBISScheme covers:
- Cavity Wall Insulation: Under GBIS Scheme you can fill hidden gaps. Additionally, cavity wall insulation makes homes warmer and, on the flip side, more energy-efficient.
- Solid Wall Insulation: For homes without cavities, GBIS Scheme provides shields like thermal jackets. It keeps your home warm. Nevertheless, it also ensures energy efficiency, reducing heat loss.
- Loft Insulation: GBIS transforms attics into heated havens with thick insulation, trapping precious heat. However, it doesn’t just offer warmth; it contributes to significant energy savings.
- Roof Insulation: You can patch up leaky roofs with its insulation squad. This will keep your home warm and dry. Conversely, it prevents cold drafts and, in turn, reduces the need for excessive heating.
- Underfloor Insulation: Apply for underfloor insulation and banish icy feet. Lay a cosy cushion under floors to make your home feel warm. Simultaneously, it acts as an energy barrier, preventing heat loss through the floor.
- Floor Insulation: In contrast, floor insulation helps prevent the cold from penetrating solid floors, maintaining warmth.
- Park Home: GBIS brings insulation love to mobile homes, keeping warmth in and bills down. Furthermore, it enhances energy efficiency, offering dual benefits to park home residents.
- Room-in-Roof: If you apply this type of insulation, you can turn your attics more into more energy-efficient. Moreover, it transforms your attic into a comfortable extension, adding usable living space.
How to Apply for GBIS Scheme?
For the general group, you must live in Council Tax bands A-D in England or A-E in Scotland or Wales. Your home’s EPC rating should be D or below. If you meet these criteria, you might get a single insulation measure. However, this doesn’t apply to private renters. Without a doubt, council Tax bands categorize homes for tax. They decide how much homeowners pay. In England, bands range from A to H, while in Scotland and Wales, it’s A to I. So higher bands mean more tax and lower mean less. In fact, the criteria for each band vary by region. In the low-income group, you need means-tested benefits and an EPC rating of D or below.
Means-tested benefits depend on your financial situation. They consider income, savings, and expenses. If you qualify, you get help covering living costs. Examples include income-based housing support and child tax credits. What’s more, in the general group, homeowners might share costs for pricier measures. Also, the General eligibility group in the Private Rented Sector, higher can’t get loft or cavity wall insulation. They can choose other insulation like solid wall insulation. However, in the PRS Low-income group, all insulation measures are approved. Except for secondary heating controls.
For E, F, and G-rated social housing, all insulation measures are available. However, for D-rated social housing, only IMs have limited delivery. This ensures the scheme covers various social housing needs.
Essential Government Benefits
To be eligible for the Great British Insulation Scheme, you should have any of the following benefits:
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support (IS)
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit (PCGC)
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit Savings Credit (PCSC)
- Child Benefit (with income caps and composition considerations)
House Income Eligibility
When applying for GBIS Scheme, household income matters. So if your gross annual income is less than £31,000, you’re eligible. But, your pre-installation SAP band must be D-G for owned homes. For rented homes, it should be D-G, including F and G if exempt from Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. This income cap applies universally, covering all property sizes, types, and regions. It includes all income sources, and benefits included—both means-tested and non-means-tested.
Savings on GBIS and EPC Ratings
Loft Insulation Under ECO4 Grants
Keep your home warm and energy-efficient by installing high-quality loft insulation.
Check your Eligibility Now
With the Great British Insulation Scheme, you can save on heating bills. Loft insulation, costing up to £1,100, can save up to £640 annually. Additionally, cavity wall insulation, with a cost of up to £2,500, can yield annual savings of up to £525. Smart heating controls, priced around £800, can result in savings of up to £525 per year. Moreover, the government is expected to cover up to 75% of the installation costs in each case.
The Great British Insulation Scheme checks how good your home is at saving energy with an EPC rating. So if your home is good at saving energy, your bills will be lower. What’s more, the changes they make to your home with insulation can save you around £300 to £400 on your energy bills.
Conclusion
The Great British Insulation Scheme is a big opportunity. It enhances home energy efficiency. Assessing eligibility through EPC ratings, it aims to lower bills. Moreover, GBIS Scheme has a positive impact on the environment. You can save up to £300 to £400 if you get insulation under GBIS. Finally, the scheme is open to all.
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