The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) offered landlords a chance to improve their properties for free. This government initiative aimed to make homes warmer and more energy efficient. The scheme began in April 2023 and ended on 31 March 2026, and it is now closed to new installations.
The grants covered insulation, such as wall, room in roof, and loft. It helped lower energy bills and supported the UK’s goal to reduce carbon emissions. Along with this, it could increase the rental and sales value of a property, and make the property more appealing to tenants.
What Is the Great British Insulation Scheme?
The GBIS focused on insulating homes with poor energy efficiency. It was run by energy suppliers, the funds were managed by the government, and it was overseen by Ofgem. Insulating a property’s loft can boost its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, cut energy waste, and make it cheaper to heat. These benefits appeal to both landlords and tenants.
Landlords could apply if their property had a council tax of A-D in England, and A-E in Wales, and their property had an EPC of D or below. Or the property could qualify regardless of the council tax if the tenants met the scheme’s criteria and the property had an EPC of D or below.
Eligibility if the property isn’t in a council tax band A-D:
Receiving Income-Based Benefits: Tenants on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or similar benefits were eligible.
Low Income.
Living in Vulnerable Situations: Families with young children, elderly residents, or other vulnerable groups such as living with a disability exasperated by the cold could qualify.
Can You Still Apply?
No. GBIS closed on 31 March 2026, and Consumer Rights can no longer help with applications. If your rental property needs insulation now, see current home energy grants, including the Warm Homes: Local Grant in England. You can also apply for a free home battery.
If GBIS work was carried out on your property and there is a problem, complain to the installer first, then to the energy supplier that funded the work. Installers had to be TrustMark registered, so you can also check their credentials and raise issues through TrustMark.
The Great British Insulation Scheme offered landlords a simple way to upgrade their properties. Free loft insulation boosted energy efficiency, lowered tenant bills, and increased property appeal. The scheme has now closed, but you can see other funding options.