Independent information
This is an independent information service. All information is sourced from GOV.UK and Ofgem publications. We are not government representatives. Always verify your eligibility through official channels or approved installers.
What is the Great British Insulation Scheme?
According to GOV.UK, the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a government programme that requires energy suppliers to install insulation measures in eligible homes across Great Britain. It was formerly known as ECO+ and launched in 2023.
Unlike ECO4, which focused on low-income households, GBIS has a broader eligibility route through its General Group — meaning homeowners in lower Council Tax bands may qualify regardless of their income or benefit status.
The scheme focuses specifically on insulation measures rather than heating systems. According to Ofgem, the aim is to help around 300,000 of the least energy-efficient homes in Great Britain.
Two routes to eligibility
According to Ofgem, GBIS has two eligibility groups. You only need to qualify through one.
Route 1
General Group
Based on your Council Tax band and property insulation needs — no benefits required.
- Council Tax band A–D (England) or A–E (Scotland/Wales)
- Property needs specific insulation measures
- Owner-occupiers, private tenants, or social housing tenants
Route 2
Low Income Group
Based on receiving qualifying benefits — similar to ECO4 eligibility.
- Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit
- Income Support, ESA, or JSA
- Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit
What insulation does GBIS cover?
Walls
Cavity wall insulation
For properties built 1920s–1990s with unfilled cavity walls. Quick to install, minimal disruption.
Full guide →Roof
Loft insulation
Top-up or full installation to the recommended 270mm depth. The most cost-effective energy improvement.
Full guide →Walls
Solid wall insulation
Internal or external insulation for pre-1920s properties without cavity walls.
Full guide →Roof
Flat roof insulation
For properties with flat roofs where standard loft insulation is not applicable.
Floor
Underfloor insulation
Reduces heat loss through suspended timber floors, common in older properties.
Roof
Room-in-roof insulation
For converted loft spaces where standard loft insulation cannot be used.
GBIS vs ECO4: what's the difference?
| GBIS | ECO4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Council Tax band OR benefits | Income or benefits only |
| Measures | Insulation only | Insulation + heating + controls |
| Target | Broader — lower CT bands | Focused — fuel-poor households |
| Geography | England, Scotland, Wales | England, Scotland, Wales |
You may have qualified for both. Where eligible for both GBIS and ECO4, an approved installer can advise on which scheme is most beneficial for your property. You cannot receive the same measure under both schemes, but different measures may be funded through different schemes.
Check Your Insulation Grant Eligibility
Quick eligibility check for GBIS and ECO4 insulation grants. Many homeowners in Council Tax bands A-D may qualify.
Key eligibility factors:
- ECO4 closed March 2026
- Insulation routes now via Warm Homes: Local Grant
- Heat pump routes now via BUS
Check your property against the live MHCLG EPC register to see your current band and every grant you qualify for — free, in under a minute.
Check your propertyGBIS has closed — find the route that replaced it
GBIS ended on 31 March 2026, so nobody can apply to it now. Energy Pages will connect you with approved installers who can assess your property and tell you which live scheme it qualifies under — Warm Homes: Local Grant in England, Warmer Homes Scotland, Nest in Wales, or Affordable Warmth in Northern Ireland.
No obligation. Energy Pages connects you with approved insulation installers in your area.
How GBIS worked, for the record
The route below is how an application ran while the scheme was open. It is kept as a historical description — none of these steps is available now. For the live equivalent, see Warm Homes: Local Grant.
Check eligibility
Confirm your Council Tax band or benefit status. Properties in bands A–D (England) typically qualify.
Contact installer
Find an approved installer participating in GBIS. They'll confirm eligibility and arrange a survey.
Property survey
A qualified surveyor assesses your property to determine which insulation measures are suitable.
Free installation
Approved installers carry out the work at no cost to eligible households, with quality guarantees.
Related guides
Closed scheme
ECO4 scheme
Free insulation and heating upgrades for low-income households. Closed March 2026.
Read guide →All routes
All free insulation schemes
Complete guide to every route to free insulation in the UK — GBIS, LA Flex, and more.
Read guide →EPC
Improve your EPC rating
How insulation improvements affect your EPC rating and what that means for grants and property value.
Read guide →GBIS has closed — find the route that is open
Insulation funding did not end with the scheme. Which route applies depends on where you live and your household income.