The Great British Insulation Scheme is falling short of its targets, according to Government figures.
The scheme aimed to insulate 300,000 homes after being launched in 2023 but has so far only met 2% of this target.
The programme is targeting the UK's poorly insulated housing stock and making them more efficient and reduce energy consumption but has had low uptake.
Insulating a wall could drastically improve your home's energy efficiency and we reveal whether and how you can benefit from the scheme.
Only 2% of 300,000 target has been met
The Great British Insulation Scheme is reportedly falling short of expectations, with only a small fraction of its intended goals met so far.
Data from the Department for Energy and Net Zero reveals that only 4,648 homes of the targeted goal of insulating 300,000 households by March 2026 have so far been met.
Despite the government allocating £1 billion to the scheme, experts point to a lack of public awareness and misconceptions about the year-round benefits of insulation.
The low uptake may also be linked to limited promotion of the grant, as well as competition from other schemes like ECO4, which offer a wider range of energy-saving options, including heat pumps and solar panels.
What is the Great British Insulation Scheme?
The Great British Insulation Scheme is a £1 billion means-tested incentive that makes insulation free or cheaper for homes in England, Scotland, and Wales.
The scheme, which was announced in November 2022, aims to improve the existing housing stock's insulation. It also aims to support households that have so far been unable to benefit from existing government-funded schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
When the scheme opened the Government aimed for 300,000 homes to be upgraded, on top of the 2.4 million homes that have so far benefited from new energy-efficiency measures under existing support schemes.
Former Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, Lord Callanan, who introduced the scheme, said: “Boosting the energy efficiency of homes creates the best long-term protection against fuel poverty for the most vulnerable. That’s why we are helping families with extra support to make their homes warmer, while saving hundreds on energy costs.”
Why is an insulation scheme needed in the UK?
UK homes are among the least energy-efficient in Europe despite a number of insulation grants being offered.
A 2020 study by thermostat company tado° found that UK homes lose heat up to three times faster than some European countries. The research, which looked at 80,000 homes, showed that after five hours at 20°C inside and 0°C outside, UK homes lost an average of 3°C, while German homes only lost 1°C.
Basic insulation such as insulating a roof is lacking and is much needed to improve the energy efficiency of Britain's housing stock.
What type of insulation can I get?
The types of insulation you can have installed in your home will depend on what an assessor decides your home needs. The options available include:
- 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
Am I eligible for the scheme?
Families in lower council tax bands with less energy-efficient homes can apply for upgrades such as roof, loft or cavity wall insulation through the Great British Insulation Scheme. You will also need to be transparent about your household income, although it is not currently clear what the income limit is.
You don't have to be a homeowner or live in your home either, as tenants and landlords can apply too, although tenants are likely to need to ask permission before going ahead with insulating their home under the scheme.
Those eligible for support under the Great British Insulation Scheme include families in council tax bands A-D in England, A-E in Scotland and Wales, with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below.
The scheme is not currently available for those in Northern Ireland.
How do I apply for an insulation grant?
Applicants can apply via the government's online checker for the Great British Insulation Scheme. They will first need to find out if they are eligible.
The tool will ask a series of questions - including how they heat their home, whether their home has solid or cavity walls, and if they are receiving any benefits. Applicants can also call 0800 098 7950 for support.
To go ahead with the scheme you will also need to agree to an assessor visiting your home to check what insulation is needed.
