The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) was a UK Government-backed energy efficiency programme designed to help households improve home insulation, reduce heat loss and lower energy bills.

Unlike ECO4, which can support multiple home improvements, GBIS focused primarily on delivering one main insulation upgrade to improve the energy performance of a property.

The scheme was available to lower-income households and a wider group of homes based on energy efficiency ratings and Council Tax bands.

GBIS closed on 31 March 2026 and, unlike ECO4, was not extended beyond its original end date.

What Support Did GBIS Provide?

GBIS mainly supported insulation improvements aimed at reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency.

Measures could include:

  • Loft insulation
  • Cavity wall insulation
  • Underfloor insulation
  • Internal wall insulation
  • External wall insulation
  • Room-in-roof insulation
  • Other qualifying insulation improvements depending on the property

The scheme generally focused on providing one primary insulation measure rather than multiple whole-house upgrades.

Who Could Previously Qualify?

GBIS operated through two routes:

General Group

Households could qualify where:

The property had an EPC rating of D, E, F or G

And the home fell within:

  • Council Tax Bands A–D in England
  • Council Tax Bands A–E in Scotland and Wales

Low Income Group

Households could also qualify through eligible support including:

  • Universal Credit
  • Pension Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
  • Income Support
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Child Benefit (subject to income thresholds)

Looking For Available Energy Grants?

Although GBIS has now ended, other funding schemes and support routes may still be available depending on your property and circumstances.

Current schemes can change over time and new funding opportunities may become available.

Contact Grants Gateway to discuss grants and energy-saving funding options that may currently be available through approved installer networks.

Our team can help review available routes and provide guidance on current schemes that may suit your household circumstances.

Need Advice?

Not sure what funding options may still be available?

Speak with Grants Gateway today and explore current grant and home energy support options.