GBIS Scheme Guidance
Official Application Information for the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).

This page provides official guidance for individuals seeking to apply for support under the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS). The scheme is part of the UK Government’s strategy to improve domestic energy efficiency, lower household energy bills, and reduce overall carbon emissions.

GBIS offers fully or partially funded insulation measures for eligible households in England, Scotland, and Wales. The programme applies to both general households and those considered low-income or vulnerable, subject to specific eligibility criteria. Northern Ireland operates separate energy efficiency support schemes and is not covered by GBIS.

GBIS Scheme Overview

The GBIS is a publicly funded initiative administered in partnership with energy suppliers and local authorities. Its purpose is to support the delivery of affordable insulation upgrades in homes with poor energy performance.

The scheme supports the installation of:

  • Primary insulation measures, such as loft and wall insulation.
  • Secondary heating controls, where insulation is installed in qualifying low-income households.

All works must be delivered by registered and accredited contractors under strict quality assurance guidelines. The programme is regulated to ensure households receive improvements that are appropriate, effective, and safely installed.

Who Can Apply For GBIS

GBIS is available to:

  • Homeowners.
  • Private tenants.
  • Social housing tenants.
  • Landlords acting on behalf of eligible tenants.

Tenants must obtain landlord consent before any work is authorised or scheduled. Landlords participating in the scheme must ensure tenants are aware of all planned upgrades and consent to access for assessment and installation.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for GBIS is based on a combination of energy efficiency rating, property tax classification, and household status.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Your property must have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. EPCs are used to assess the energy efficiency of buildings. If no EPC is currently available, a formal assessment will be arranged.

You can find out your EPC Rating by using our ECO4 and GBIS Eligibility Checker

Council Tax Band

To qualify for funding, your property must be within the following bands:

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

Measures Available Under GBIS

GBIS supports a range of home insulation upgrades. These measures are designed to address the most common sources of heat loss and may vary based on the outcome of your property assessment.

Eligible Primary Insulation Measures:

  • Loft insulation
  • Cavity wall insulation (including party wall)
  • Solid wall insulation (internal or external)
  • Pitched roof insulation
  • Flat roof insulation
  • Under-floor insulation
  • Solid floor insulation
  • Room-in-roof insulation
  • Park home insulation

The specific measure selected will be based on a retrofit assessment conducted by a certified installer. This ensures that the most suitable solution is applied based on construction type, existing insulation, and building condition.

Heating Controls (Secondary Measures)

Where insulation is installed in an owner-occupied home in the low-income group, one or more secondary heating control upgrades may also be offered. These controls help reduce wasted energy by allowing the occupant to regulate heating more efficiently.

Examples of eligible heating controls include:

  • Room thermostats – set the desired indoor temperature and switch off heating when it is reached.
  • Programmable thermostats – create heating schedules for different times of the day or week.
  • Smart thermostats – allow remote control and automatic heating adjustments based on usage habits.
  • Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) – enable temperature control in individual rooms.
  • Time switches – basic timers for turning heating on and off.
  • Load compensation controls – adjust boiler output based on room temperature differences.
  • Weather compensation controls – respond to external temperature changes to prevent over-heating.

Secondary measures may only be offered when insulation is being installed as part of the same application and are subject to property suitability and system compatibility.

The Application Process

The application process is administered through energy suppliers and approved delivery partners. The steps listed below outline how to proceed:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Confirm your EPC rating and Council Tax band. If you do not have a current EPC, this will be arranged as part of your application. – GBIS Eligibility Checker

Step 2: Schedule an Assessment

A qualified retrofit assessor will inspect the property to determine appropriate measures. The assessment is conducted in line with PAS 2035 standards and includes a full review of current insulation and heating systems..

Step 3: Confirm Installation

If you agree to the assessment installation will be scheduled and completed by TrustMark-registered installers. Post-installation checks may be conducted for quality assurance.

Actionable Instructions for Applicants

If you intend to apply for support under GBIS:

  1. Verify your EPC rating and Council Tax band using official services.
  2. Obtain landlord permission, if applicable.
  3. Contact Consumer Rights CIC 
  4. Provide required documentation, including proof of identity, address, and income (if applying as part of the low-income group).
  5. Attend the property assessment, and review any recommendations or contribution requirements.
  6. Only proceed with installation if you fully understand and accept the scope of works.

For documentation support, application tracking, or technical clarification, contact Consumer Rights CIC for assistance.