The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) was a UK Government-backed scheme designed to help low-income households living in off-gas properties improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

The programme focused on delivering whole-house improvements, helping households reduce heating costs, improve comfort and lower carbon emissions.

Unlike single-measure schemes, HUG supported a package of upgrades designed to improve the overall energy performance of a property.

The scheme was delivered through local councils and regional authorities working alongside accredited installers.

The latest phase of the Home Upgrade Grant concluded in March 2025 and the scheme has now ended.

What Support Did HUG Provide?

The programme supported a range of home energy improvements.

Heating & Hot Water Improvements

Measures could include:

  • Air source heat pumps
  • Ground and water source heat pumps
  • High heat retention storage heaters
  • Biomass heating systems for suitable off-gas homes
  • Heating controls and smart thermostats

Insulation Improvements

Funding could include:

  • Loft insulation
  • Roof insulation
  • Cavity wall insulation
  • Internal wall insulation
  • External wall insulation
  • Floor insulation
  • Draught-proofing measures

Additional Energy Saving Improvements

Further improvements could include:

  • Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels
  • Secondary energy-saving measures designed to complement primary upgrades

The scheme aimed to provide a complete property improvement approach rather than individual measures alone.

Who Previously Qualified?

Households generally qualified where:

  • Household income was £36,000 or below (gross), or qualifying benefits were received
  • The property had an EPC rating of D, E, F or G
  • The property was not connected to the mains gas network

Additional information:

  • Homeowners and private landlords could apply
  • Social housing properties were excluded and funded separately through alternative programmes

How The Process Previously Worked

Step 1 – Eligibility Review

Applicants typically confirmed:

  • EPC rating
  • Household income or benefits
  • Whether the property was off the gas grid

Step 2 – Local Authority Application

Applications were managed locally through councils and combined authorities.

Regional delivery partners sometimes assisted with scheme administration and installations.

Step 3 – Property Assessment

A whole-house survey was carried out to identify suitable improvements.

Step 4 – Approval & Funding

Councils reviewed eligibility and confirmed which improvements would be funded.

Landlord contributions could occasionally apply for rental properties.

Step 5 – Installation

Approved installers completed the energy-saving improvements.

Works were often fully funded for qualifying households.

Looking For Current Grant information ?

Although the Home Upgrade Grant has now ended, energy funding schemes continue to change and new grants are available.

Contact Grants Gateway to discuss current grants, funding schemes and energy-saving support

Grants Gateway helps review available options and discuss potential routes based on your household circumstances.