The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) GOV.UK referral service closed on 31 March 2026. GBIS is a government-mandated insulation programme funded by energy suppliers, with a total budget of £1 billion (DESNZ). Unlike ECO4, GBIS does not require applicants to receive means-tested benefits — households in council tax bands A–D (England) or A–E (Scotland/Wales) qualify regardless of income. According to DESNZ, 19 million UK homes are rated below EPC Band C (BRE data), making the majority of the UK housing stock potentially eligible. New applicants should now check ECO4, LA Flex, Warm Homes and local authority routes.
What Is GBIS and Why Is It Ending?
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), formerly known as ECO+, launched in March 2023 to improve home energy efficiency across the UK. It provides free cavity wall insulation and loft insulation to eligible households — funded by energy suppliers as part of their legal obligations.
Before closure, GBIS did not require benefits for the general group. Now, households should check ECO4, LA Flex, Warm Homes and supplier-led routes because GOV.UK referrals are closed.
The GOV.UK referral service closed on 31 March 2026. Some energy suppliers may still handle existing or remaining enquiries where applicable, but new applicants should check ECO4, LA Flex and Warm Homes routes.
Update: The GOV.UK GBIS referral service closed on 31 March 2026. Check current insulation support through ECO4, LA Flex, Warm Homes and supplier-led routes.
Who Qualifies for GBIS?
GBIS has two eligibility groups:
General Group (No Benefits Required)
- Before closure, the property had to be in council tax bands A-D (England) or A-E (Scotland/Wales)
- Property must have an EPC rating — most homes qualify
- No income test, no benefits requirement
- Available to homeowners and private tenants (with landlord consent)
Low-Income Group
- Receive qualifying benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, etc.)
- Any council tax band
- Same measures available as the general group
What Insulation Can You Get?
| Measure | Typical Savings | Installation Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cavity wall insulation | £200–£400/year | 1–2 days |
| Loft insulation | £180–£350/year | 2–4 hours |
| Solid wall insulation | £430–£640/year | 1–2 weeks |
| Room-in-roof insulation | £200–£400/year | 1–2 days |
| Flat roof insulation | £150–£300/year | 1–2 days |
GBIS primarily covers cavity wall and loft insulation, as these offer the best energy efficiency improvements per pound spent. solid wall insulation grant may be available for suitable properties.
GBIS vs ECO4: What's the Difference?
| Feature | GBIS | ECO4 |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits required? | No (general group) | Yes |
| Council tax bands | A-D (England) | Any |
| Measures | Insulation only | Insulation, boilers, solar, heat pumps |
| Status | GOV.UK referral service closed 31 March 2026 | Runs to December 2026 |
| EPC required? | Yes | Yes (D-G) |
Key difference: GBIS ends 7 months before ECO4. If you don't receive benefits, GBIS is likely your only route to free insulation — and it's closing soon.
What Happens Now?
After the GOV.UK GBIS referral service closed on 31 March 2026:
- Check current routes — ECO4, LA Flex, Warm Homes and local authority programmes may still help with insulation
- ECO4 continues until December 2026, but only for benefits recipients
- If you don't receive benefits, there may be no free insulation available after March
- Future schemes (if any) could have stricter criteria or lower funding
Bottom line: The GOV.UK GBIS referral window has closed. Check ECO4, LA Flex, Warm Homes and supplier-led routes for current insulation support.
How to Apply Before the Deadline
- Check your eligibility — use our free eligibility checker (takes 60 seconds)
- Get a free home survey — a qualified assessor visits your property
- Installation arranged — an MCS-certified installer completes the work
- No cost to you — everything is funded by your energy supplier
Current schemes and supplier-led routes have different assessment timelines. Use the checker first, then confirm dates and eligibility with the supplier, installer or local authority.