People in lower Council Tax bands could save up to £400 on energy bills next year through new scheme

A scheme worth one billion pounds has been launched by the UK Government to help more than 300,000 families across Great Britain heat their home for less over the next year. The Great British Insulation Scheme aims to help low income households save up to £400 on their annual fuel bills through new energy efficiency upgrades.

Families in lower Council Tax bands with less energy-efficient homes will be offered vital upgrades - such as roof, loft or cavity wall insulation - which could cut their annual energy bill by an average of between £300 to £400. Those eligible for support under the Great British Insulation Scheme include families in Council Tax bands A-E in Scotland and Wales and A-D in England, with an Energy Performance Certificate rating of D or below.

The online portal at GOV.UK offers full eligibility details and a list of the home improvement services available. People can also apply directly for the scheme on this page.

You may be able to get the support if you are a homeowner, landlord or tenant (either renting privately or from a housing association). The guidance on GOV.UK advises if you’re a tenant, you should speak to your landlord before you apply as you will need their permission before any insulation can be installed.

Home insulation available on the scheme

You may be able to get support to install:

• cavity wall insulation
• solid wall insulation (internal or external)
• loft insulation
• flat or pitched roof insulation
• underfloor insulation
• solid floor insulation
• park home insulation
• room-in-roof insulation

How to check online if you can get support

Before starting the process online at GOV.UK, you will need:

• the total household income
• the type of benefits anyone living in the property receives - you may be eligible for additional support
• your email address or phone number so your energy supplier can contact you if you’re eligible

What happens after you apply

If you’re eligible for support, your energy supplier will contact you to arrange an assessment of the property.

If you need to pay anything, you’ll find out after the assessment. You can decide not to go ahead if you do not agree with the assessment or the costs involved.

If you cannot use the online service

If you can’t use the online checker tool, you can phone the helpline to speak to an adviser at the Great British Insulation Scheme helpline on 0800 098 7950. Lines are open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm (except public holidays) and Saturday, 9am to 12pm.

Full details about the Great British Insulation Scheme can be found online at GOV.UK.

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