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If you’re looking for government grants for home insulation, nothing is better than the Great British Insulation Scheme. From loft and cavity wall insulation to roof and solid floor insulation, all measures are available free of charge under GBIS. If your home is draughty and loses heat quickly, you may be eligible for the scheme. So apply today through Berks Insulation, which is a government partner in the insulation campaign.
The scheme provides support to eligible homes, primarily focusing on two groups: all homes and those with low income. The scheme assesses a home’s energy efficiency using SAP bands, determining the assistance it qualifies for. The primary aim is to facilitate energy savings in various homes. With transparent eligibility criteria and a commitment to diverse housing types, the scheme endeavors to have a significant impact on nationwide energy conservation.
What’s the Great British Insulation Scheme?
The Great British Insulation Scheme is a response to the UK’s need for energy efficiency. The government has launched this scheme along the lines of past initiatives like CESP, CERT, and ECO. GBIS aims to reduce energy demand for the country’s energy autonomy. It wants homes to be energy-efficient and environment-friendly. The scheme empowers low-income families to come out of fuel poverty. It is true energy poverty arises when household bills leave income below the poverty line.
In 2022, rising energy prices were expected to push over 8 million people into this situation. So the government decided to tackle this issue in various ways. The Great British Insulation Scheme supports people linked to specific social groups, especially the elderly or those with disabilities. With over £1 billion in funding, this scheme aims to assist about 300,000 households nationwide.
How the Great British Insulation Scheme Works?
Well, the Great British Insulation Scheme operates with the active participation of energy companies. These companies align with GBIS to support the objective of reducing energy consumption. What’s more, their involvement helps achieve energy-saving targets. This aligns with the government’s plan for achieving net-zero emissions.
Furthermore, the government mandates energy companies to contribute to this effort. Finally, it is the British public that is the spirit of this scheme. It is people who take this scheme seriously and insulate their homes. By doing so, they’re trying to cut their carbon footprint and save money and the environment.
Grants Available for Home Insulation
The Great British Insulation Scheme covers various home insulation grant types. These include:
- Cavity Wall Insulation
- Solid Wall Insulation
- Loft Insulation
- Roof Insulation
- Underfloor Insulation
- Floor Insulation
- Park Home Insulation
- Flat Roof Insulation
- Pitched Roof Insulation
- Internal and External Insulation
- Solid Floor Insulation
- Internal Wall Insulation
- External Wall Insulation
What’s more, eligible participants receive support for one type of insulation. But if you want more than one insulation measure, you may be asked to contribute to its expenses. Currently, we’re offering all these types of insulation, so check your eligibility with us. But if you don’t want to avail the opportunity, you should know insulation prices are skyrocketing these days.
Who’s Eligible for the Great British Insulation Scheme?
Two groups can apply for the Great British Insulation Scheme: a general group and a low-income group. Since eligibility criteria vary for each group, so you should carefully review them to determine if you qualify.
Eligibility Criteria for General Group
Reside in a home in council tax bands A to D (England) and A to E (Scotland and Wales)
- Have an EPC rating of D to G (check your EPC)
- Private renters: EPC must be in band D or E
If eligible, you’ll receive one insulation upgrade, with a possible small contribution.
For the Low-income Group Eligibility
- Receive qualifying benefits
- Reside in the least efficient housing
- Have an EPC rating of D to G
This group is eligible for lower-cost or free insulation, and owner-occupied households might receive heating controls as well.
Qualifying benefits for the Great British Insulation Scheme include:
- Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit Saving Credit
- Child Benefit (with maximum income levels – see below)
Income Criteria
For GBIS eligibility, household income is a crucial factor. If your gross annual income is below £31,000, you qualify. However, for owned homes, the pre-installation SAP band must be D-G. In rented homes, it should be D-G, including F and G if exempt from Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. This income cap is applicable universally, encompassing all property sizes, types, and regions. It includes all income sources, both means-tested and non-means-tested, with benefits included.
So you may qualify for the Great British Insulation Scheme if you meet the income criteria. Moreover, if someone in your home has a health condition affected by living in a cold environment, such as cardiovascular issues, limited mobility, etc, the application can be processed. In fact, local authorities use diverse criteria to identify eligible households. They mostly focus on low-income and vulnerable groups. So you can check with your local authority to see if they participate and if you qualify.
GBIS and EPC Ratings
GBIS evaluates your home’s energy-saving capability through an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. A higher EPC rating signifies better energy efficiency, translating to lower bills. The insulation improvements made to your home can save you approximately £300 to £400 on your energy bills.
Furthermore, struggling households with fuel debt, referred by some suppliers, fall under the scheme. So if your local authority is involved, they will likely refer to GBIS. An assessor then evaluates your home to determine suitable measures. Moreover, it’s essential to note that eligibility doesn’t guarantee installation. It truly depends on the decisions of suppliers or installers.
The eligibility criteria for the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) involve both your household’s gross annual income and your home’s pre-installation SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) energy-efficient rating:
SAP Energy Efficient Rating
For owned homes, the pre-installation SAP band must be D, E, F, or G. For rented homes, qualification is possible with a SAP band of D, E, F, or G. However, if it’s F or G, the property must be exempt from Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).
Key Points:
- For owned homes, the SAP band directly applies.
- For rented homes with the SAP band of F or G, qualification is contingent on MEES exemptions. It is because MEES regulations prohibit letting properties with SAP bands below E. Unless energy efficiency improvements have been made.
- If you own a home with a SAP band of D-G, you’re eligible for GBIS based on income. Similarly, if you rent a home with a SAP band of D-E, you’re eligible regardless of MEES regulations. What’s more, if you rent a home with a SAP band of F or G, eligibility is possible. But for that, your landlord must improve energy efficiency. Moreover, the property should be exempt from MEES.
Additional Reminders:
- The income cap applies universally, regardless of property size, type, or location.
- Check your home’s SAP band on your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
- Consult your landlord or energy supplier if unsure about MEES regulations or exemptions for your property.
GBIS Potential Savings
Through the Great British Insulation Scheme, potential savings on heating bills include:
- Loft insulation, with costs up to £1,100, can save up to £640 annually.
- Cavity wall insulation, costing up to £2,500, can result in annual savings of up to £525.
- Smart heating controls and thermostatic valves, priced around £800, can lead to savings of up to £525 per year.
- Additionally, the government expects to cover up to 75% of the installation costs in each case.
Wrapping-Up
The Great British Insulation Scheme empowers you to control energy bills and save money. It’s not just for homeowners; renters with lower SAP-rated properties can benefit too. Annual savings can reach hundreds of pounds. This makes GBIS a game-changer for budget-conscious individuals.
Whether you own or rent, if your home needs insulation, you should apply. But check your EPC rating, assess eligibility, and prepare for a warmer, more energy-efficient home. Moreover, GBIS enhances home energy efficiency and lowers bills. It positively impacts the environment. Potential savings of up to £300 to £400 are possible through insulation. The scheme is open to everyone, offering a significant opportunity.
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