This post was updated on 23/03/2023.

The Green Homes Grant Scheme has now ended. However, you may still be eligible for other funding sources through various government and third-party grants—visit our grants section for current options.

Are there still grants for green homes?

If you already received a voucher, you can still use it to complete your improvements. However, the scheme stopped accepting new applications at 5:00 p.m. on March 31, 2021, and the deadline for using issued vouchers was extended to March 31, 2022. The Green Homes Grant is no longer available, but there are other government programs that support home improvements.

Why did the Green Homes Grant fail?

The Green Homes Grant was a £2 billion initiative covering up to two-thirds of the cost of energy-efficient home upgrades, with the goal of reaching over 600,000 homes. It also aimed to stimulate the economy by supporting local tradespeople.

Despite these intentions, only around 39,000 vouchers were issued—just 6.5% of its original target. While the COVID-19 pandemic created challenges, such as reluctance to allow workers into homes, much of the criticism focused on the government’s poor rollout, which was called “shambolic” by Greenpeace UK.

What has replaced the Green Homes Grant?

ECO4 Scheme

Running from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2026, the ECO4 scheme focuses on improving the energy efficiency of low-income and vulnerable households—particularly those with the lowest-rated homes. The ECO4 Flex route allows Local Authorities to identify and refer households that meet certain risk criteria but don’t qualify through standard channels.

LA Flex

LA Flex is a branch of ECO4 that gives Local Authorities flexibility to support households not eligible under the core ECO criteria but still in need of assistance. While the goals are the same—providing insulation or heating upgrades—the application process differs.

What home improvements are possible with ECO4 and LA Flex?

Here are some of the main measures available under ECO4 and LA Flex:

  • Air Source Heat Pumps
    These systems work like reverse air conditioners—extracting heat from the outside air and transferring it indoors. They’re efficient and eco-friendly.

  • Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
    Offers grants for homeowners to replace old gas or oil boilers with low-carbon heating systems. This can cover non-condensing and back boilers, potentially saving thousands of pounds.

  • Electric Storage Heaters
    These heaters store thermal energy during off-peak hours and release it during the day. They use convection currents to warm rooms efficiently.

  • External and Internal Wall Insulation
    Solid walls can be insulated on the outside (with decorative, insulated cladding) or inside (with rigid insulation boards or stud walls), helping to retain heat.

  • First-Time Central Heating (FTCH)
    Covers the installation of central heating systems—including boilers, pipes, and radiators—for homes that have never had it before.

  • Cavity Wall Insulation
    Fills the air gap between external wall layers with insulating material, reducing heat loss and lowering energy bills.

  • Flat Roof Insulation
    Materials like foam, wood fiber, or polystyrene (EPS/XPS) help regulate temperature and improve energy efficiency in buildings with flat roofs.

  • Loft Insulation
    Prevents heat loss through the roof by adding insulating materials between the joists (attic floor) and rafters (roof supports).