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What is the Great British Insulation Scheme?
The Great British Insulation Scheme, previously known as the ECO+ scheme, has a funding of £1 billion. It aims to assist eligible households in England, Wales, and Scotland by providing funds for home insulation. This helps them reduce energy consumption and save on heating bills. The funding specifically targets home insulation measures like loft and wall insulation, focusing on cutting heating costs.
What sets this scheme apart is its broader eligibility criteria, making it accessible to more households. Unlike previous ECO iterations that mainly aided low-income families, the GB Insulation scheme includes energy-inefficient households in lower Council Tax bands. This expansion allows a wider range of people to benefit from the insulation support.
What are some of the main features of the Great British Insulation Scheme?
- Duration and Start Date:
- Started in April 2023
- Runs until March 2026
- Number of Homes Benefited:
- Expected to benefit up to 70,000 homes
- Funding Source:
- Grants funded by main energy companies with at least 150,000 customers
- Grant Amount and Purpose:
- Insulation grants of up to £1,500 available
- Aimed at various insulation measures for households
- Targeted Recipients:
- Aimed at helping households not currently benefiting from government support for home ECO measures
- Distribution of Funding:
- 80% of funding for households considered least energy-efficient (includes those with an EPC rating of D or below or in lower Council Tax bands)
- 20% of funding to assist the most vulnerable households, including those on benefits or in ‘fuel poverty.’
Who is the Great British Insulation Scheme intended to help?
The funding from the GB Insulation Scheme is designed to help households in the low-income group. Additionally, it offers support to homes with low energy efficiency, specifically those with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below. You can check your home’s EPC rating on the EPC register.
The scheme also aids households in the lowest council tax bands, with specific criteria for each nation:
- In England, it applies to Bands A-D.
- In Scotland, it applies to Bands A-E.
- In Wales, it applies to Bands A-E.
If you’re unsure about your Council Tax band, you can find it here.
Importantly, the funding is available to households that haven’t previously received government funding for energy efficiency home improvements.
Where does funding for the GB Insulation Scheme come from?
The primary energy suppliers have a responsibility to assist households in enhancing energy efficiency, involving actions like installing loft insulation and wall insulation to lower heating costs. The scheme may cover the entire cost of these insulation measures. It’s important to note that all grant funding is entirely free and doesn’t need to be paid back.
What types of insulation is available under the Great British Insulation Scheme?
The primary goal of the scheme is to assist as many households as possible, primarily emphasizing cost-effective insulation measures like loft/roof insulation and cavity wall insulation. However, the GB Insulation Scheme or the ECO4 scheme might provide funding or partial funding for other insulation measures, such as solid wall insulation.
The comprehensive list of insulation measures that could potentially be covered by the scheme includes:
- Loft insulation
- Solid wall insulation (internal and external)
- Room-in-roof insulation
- Underfloor insulation
- Solid floor insulation
- Pitched roof insulation
- Flat roof insulation
- Park home insulation
- Secondary heating controls
Many homes constructed since the 1920s typically have a cavity wall space, creating a gap between the internal and external walls. This gap can be filled with cavity wall insulation to prevent heat loss and enhance thermal efficiency. Some properties may have never had their cavities filled, and in others, the insulation may have deteriorated over time.
One of the most economical methods to minimise heat loss is through loft insulation, which is both cost-effective and straightforward to install. Loft insulation can decrease heat loss in a home by up to 25%. If you qualify for funding, you usually receive a single insulation measure, focusing on the most effective and suitable option for your home.
People Also Ask about GBIS
How long will the Great British Insulation Scheme last?
The GB Insulation Scheme commenced in April 2023 and is slated to run for three years. Given the future goals of achieving carbon neutrality, there’s a possibility that the scheme might be extended or replaced by something similar. As efforts continue to meet environmental targets, ongoing initiatives and new programs may emerge to support energy efficiency in homes
How to apply for the Great British Insulation scheme?
To apply for funding through the Great British Insulation Scheme, you can use our application form. Once submitted, we will connect you with a highly-rated certified installer associated with the scheme.
While most income-related benefits generally meet the qualifying criteria for the ECO4 scheme, which covers various home energy efficiency measures, those who don’t qualify for ECO funding might find more success with the GB Insulation Scheme. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be contacted to schedule a survey at your home. Following the survey, a mutually agreed-upon date will be set to carry out the insulation measures in your home.
Where does the funding for the scheme come from?
The primary energy companies, as well as any energy supplier serving a minimum of 150,000 domestic customers, are required to contribute funding to the scheme. This obligation is part of an initiative to lower energy bills for customers and decrease carbon footprints. Although the energy companies themselves don’t directly install the insulation, they bear the responsibility of providing the necessary funding. This financial support aims to assist low-income households and homes with low energy efficiency in enhancing their insulation.
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