Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a government energy efficiency scheme designed to support households in England, Scotland & Wales to increase the insulation in their homes, with an EPC rating of between D-G.
The scheme began in April 2023 and will cover a three-year period until 31 March 2026.
GBIS offers the opportunity to have a single insulation installed or if you own your own property also have heating controls installed alongside the insulation measure if your household qualifies as low income.
There are 2 routes to eligibility: low income and general.
To be eligible under the low-income eligibility, someone living in the property needs to receive a means-tested benefit or the household income is less than £31,000.
DWP administered benefits
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Pension Credit
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Universal Credit
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Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
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Income Related Employment & Support Allowance
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Income Support
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Housing Benefit
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Tax Credits (Child & Working Tax Credit)
If you do not claim a benefit above but your household income is less than £31,000 then as long as your local authority is running a Flex scheme, you can qualify through completing an LA Flex application.
To be eligible under the General eligibility your council tax band needs to be either A-D in England or A-E in Scotland & Wales.
What can be installed:
Owner Occupied Homes:
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Cavity Insulation
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Internal Wall Insulation (May require a contribution)
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Loft Insulation
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Flat Roof Insulation
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Room in Roof Insulation (May require a contribution)
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Heating controls with an insulation measure (Low Income Eligibility Only)
Private Rented Homes:
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Cavity Insulation (Low Income Eligibility Only)
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Internal Wall Insulation (May require a contribution)
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Loft Insulation (Low Income Eligibility Only)
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Flat Roof Insulation
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Room in Roof Insulation (May require a contribution)
Things to be aware of:
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Private rented properties in England & Wales that have an EPC rating of F or G must have a MEES exemption to qualify for GBIS.
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Private rented properties in Scotland with an EPC rating of F or G do not qualify for GBIS has there is no MEES equivalent in Scotland.
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GBIS funding is primarily designed for Loft and Cavity Insulation installs in low-income households which is why these measures are not allowed in private rented properties under the general eligibility.
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Internal Wall & Room in Roof insulation is possible under GBIS but due to these being considered high-cost insulation, there may be a contribution required