What Is the Eligibility Criteria For Great British Insulation Scheme

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is an energy efficiency scheme. It started last year in March 2023. Its target is to insulate as many as 300,000 homes across the UK. Moreover, the government through this initiative wants to make homes better and save energy. The plan is part of net zero targets of 2050. The current budgeting of GBIS is £1 billion.

Although navigating the eligibility criteria can feel overwhelming, we’ve simplified it for you. So this blog post is your roadmap to understanding the key criteria for applying for GBIS.

How the Great British Insulation Scheme Works?

Well, it is primarily energy companies that are playing a key role in this scheme. They actually sign up with GBIS to back the goal of using less energy. So in this way, they help meet energy-saving goals and fit into the government’s plan for net zero.

Moreover, the government too insists energy companies to contribute in this area. On top of that, it is British public who have a greater role to play in making their homes more energy-efficient.

Who Can Apply for GBIS?

Fundamentally, there are two major groups that may be eligible for Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).

General Group: In this group, households’ EPC rating should be D or lower. What’s more, they pay council tax in bands A-D (England) or A-E (Scotland/Wales). This for sure, applies to homeowners only.
Low-Income Group: People who receive means-tested benefits like housing support or child tax credits, and their EPC rating is D or lower, may be eligible. But this applies to both homeowners as well as tenants.

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What kind of insulation Can You Get?

Well, in the general group, you can get one free insulation measure, like loft or cavity wall insulation. But if you want a more expensive measure, you might need to share the cost. Secondly, if your home has a higher band and falls in the general group but the Private Rented Sector (PRS), you can’t get loft or cavity wall insulation. But you may be eligible for other types, like solid wall insulation.

Similarly, in the PRS low-income group, you may qualify for any sort of insulation, except for heating controls. Finally, there is social housing. In social housing, all types of insulation are available. But there are limited options for D-rated homes.

How to Apply for the Great British Insulation Scheme?

First, check your EPC rating and council tax band.
Next, see if you meet the eligibility criteria for any of the groups above.
Contact Berks Insulation for more information and to apply. They’re experienced in the fastest application process.

Another important thing is that you must be recipient of any of the following government benefits:

Help with job seeking or income: Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support (IS)
Pension benefits: Pension Credit Guarantee Credit (PCGC)
Tax credits for working families: Working Tax Credit (WTC), Child Tax Credit (CTC)
All-in-one benefits for low income: Universal Credit (UC)
Housing support: Housing Benefit
Additional pension benefits: Pension Credit Savings Credit (PCSC)
Child benefit (with some conditions): Child Benefit with specific income limits and family makeup considerations

Remember, this is just a general list. So the specific benefits that qualify you for Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) might vary to some extent. It depends on your circumstances and location.

SAP Energy Efficient Rating and Income-based Criteria

What’s more, your household’s gross annual income must be less than £31,000. This no doubt, includes all of your income sources, from wages to benefits both means-tested and non-means-tested. Moreover, your home’s pre-installation SAP energy efficient rating must be D, E, F, or G. This is an energy rating system used to appraise how energy-efficient your home is. So a lower band indicates poorer efficiency and higher energy bills.

For owned homes: This SAP band applies directly.
For rented homes: You can qualify if your SAP band is D, E, F, or G, but if it’s F or G, your property must be exempt from Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). Indeed, MEES regulations prohibit landlords from letting properties with an SAP band below E. So they can’t do so unless they’ve made all reasonable energy efficiency improvements.

Essentially, this means:

If you own a home with a pre-installation SAP band of D-G, you’re eligible for GBIS (Great British Insulation Scheme) based on income.
Further, if you rent a home with a SAP band of D-E, you’re eligible regardless of MEES regulations.
Finally, if you rent a home with a SAP band of F or G, you can still qualify for GBIS as long as your landlord has taken steps to improve their home’s energy efficiency. Also it’s exempt from MEES.

Remember:

This income cap applies regardless of your property size, type, or location.
Checking your home’s SAP band is essential to determine your eligibility. You can find this information on your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
If you’re unsure about MEES regulations or exemptions for your property, it’s best to consult your landlord or energy supplier.

How Much Can You Save Through GBIS?

Well, the core objective of the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is all about making your home warmer. It also aims to make your energy bills lighter. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the savings and how EPC ratings play a role:

Potential Savings:

Loft insulation: Saves up to £640 a year on your heating bills! This costs around £1,100 to install, but GBIS might cover up to 75% of the cost.
Cavity wall insulation: This pricier option (up to £2,500) can still save you up to £525 per year on your energy bills. Just like loft insulation, GBIS may cover up to 75% of the installation cost.
Smart heating controls: For around £800, you can get these clever gadgets that can save you up to £525 annually on heating. Again, GBIS might chip in up to 75% of the installation cost.

Remember: These are just estimates, and your actual savings might be higher or lower depending on your home’s specific characteristics and energy usage.

EPC Ratings and Energy Efficiency

Think of your EPC rating as a report card for your home’s energy efficiency. The lower the rating (A is the best, G is the worst), the more energy your home loses, and the higher your bills will be.

So when you get GBIS insulation installed, it essentially improves your home’s EPC rating by making it more energy-efficient. This translates to less energy wasted, lower heating bills, and annual savings of around £300 to £400 for most homes.

Now, if you’re looking to boost your home’s coziness and save some hard-earned cash, GBIS might be the perfect solution. Check your eligibility, grab your EPC rating, and start dreaming of lower energy bills and a warmer home!

Wrapping Up

The Great British Insulation Scheme isn’t just about adding a layer of cosy comfort to your home – it’s about empowering you to take control of your energy bills and save some serious cash. With potential annual savings of hundreds of pounds, GBIS is a game-changer for budget-conscious homeowners and renters alike.

Remember, GBIS isn’t just for homeowners. Renters with lower SAP-rated properties can also benefit from this scheme, enjoying increased comfort and potentially reduced energy bills thanks to smart heating controls.

So, whether you own or rent, if your home is yearning for a hug of warmth and your wallet is craving a break from rising energy costs, GBIS might be the answer. Check your EPC rating, see if you qualify, and get ready to experience the magic of a warmer, more energy-efficient home.