What Is Local Authority Flex?

Both ECO4 and GBIS are national energy efficiency schemes, funded by big energy suppliers.

Upgrades available:

Under ECO4:

• Whole-home retrofits
• Loft and wall insulation
• Heating system upgrades (e.g. heat pumps, efficient boilers)
• Smart electric heating
• Renewable technologies like solar panels

Under GBIS:

• Primarily single insulation measures (loft, cavity wall, underfloor, etc.)
• Sometimes with a secondary measure of heating controls.

The idea is simple: help people improve their homes so they use less energy, pay lower bills, and reduce carbon emissions. The primary eligibility route of these schemes is through being in receipt of means tested benefits.

That’s where LA Flex comes in—it’s one of the routes they can use to approve your application.

So, in short:

• ECO4 Flex = the Local Authority Flex route under the ECO4 scheme
• GBIS Flex = the Flex route under the Great British Insulation Scheme

Each local authority publishes its own “Statement of Intent,” which outlines the criteria they’ll use.
To be eligible for upgrades, your property must have an EPC of D and below. This shows the property is in need of energy efficiency improvements. If your EPC is a C and above, it is too energy efficient to qualify.

While the details of each council’s statement of intent vary by area, most councils focus on two main groups:

1. Low-income households with high energy costs

For example:

• Total household income below £31,000 per year

2. Vulnerable individuals affected by cold homes

This could include:

• Older adults or young children
• People with disabilities or long-term health conditions made worse by the cold, such as:
  • Respiratory illness such as asthma
  • Cardiovascular issues
  • Mobility limitations such as arthritis
  • Cancer or immune disorders
  • Neurological conditions

The council doesn’t pay for the upgrades, they simply approve who should qualify, and the cost is covered through the national scheme via energy suppliers.

Once approved, you can access the energy-saving measures offered under ECO4 or GBIS. Which scheme you fall under depends on your home’s energy performance rating and the type of improvements needed. Some households might qualify under both.

A huge number of households don’t receive benefits but are still struggling. LA Flex exists because:

• Not all fuel-poor households claim or qualify for welfare
• It allows more targeted support based on local knowledge
• It brings in health referrals, so cold-related illness gets addressed

In simple terms, it gives councils the power to help the right people, not just the ones with the right paperwork.

1. Check if you are eligible for funding through Consumer Rights. 
2. We will assist you with the application process, discuss eligibility, and find a local, highly vetted and government approved installer to complete the upgrades.

Read More: LA Flex Eligibility Criteria

Local Authority Flex is one of the most important (and underused) tools for helping people access free or low-cost energy upgrades—especially if you’re not on benefits but still feeling the pinch.

By giving councils the power to identify households in need, the government has widened the safety net. Whether you’re under ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme, LA Flex could be your route to a warmer, more energy-efficient home without paying thousands upfront.

ECO4 Support Available:

• Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy: Energy Company Obligation
• Ofgem: Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Guidance: Delivery V1.1
• Ofgem: Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
• UK Government: Help from your energy supplier: the Energy Company Obligation
• Which?: Energy Company Obligation (ECO)

Other Support Available:

• Household Support Fund
• Cold Weather Payment
• Cost of Living
• Fuel Vouchers