What Is GBIS and Why Is It Ending?
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), formerly known as ECO+, launched in March 2023 to improve home energy efficiency across the UK. It provides free cavity wall insulation and loft insulation to eligible households — funded by energy suppliers as part of their legal obligations.
Unlike ECO4, GBIS doesn't require you to receive benefits. If your home is in council tax bands A-D (England) or A-E (Scotland and Wales), you may qualify regardless of your income.
The scheme is set to close on 31 March 2026. After that date, no new applications will be accepted. There is currently no confirmed replacement scheme for GBIS.
⚠️ Deadline: GBIS closes 31 March 2026. Funding is first-come, first-served. Once it's gone, it's gone.
Who Qualifies for GBIS?
GBIS has two eligibility groups:
General Group (No Benefits Required)
- Property must be in council tax bands A-D (England) or A-E (Scotland/Wales)
- Property must have an EPC rating — most homes qualify
- No income test, no benefits requirement
- Available to homeowners and private tenants (with landlord consent)
Low-Income Group
- Receive qualifying benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, etc.)
- Any council tax band
- Same measures available as the general group
What Insulation Can You Get?
| Measure | Typical Savings | Installation Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cavity wall insulation | £200–£400/year | 1–2 days |
| Loft insulation | £180–£350/year | 2–4 hours |
| Solid wall insulation | £430–£640/year | 1–2 weeks |
| Room-in-roof insulation | £200–£400/year | 1–2 days |
| Flat roof insulation | £150–£300/year | 1–2 days |
GBIS primarily covers cavity wall and loft insulation, as these offer the best energy efficiency improvements per pound spent. Solid wall insulation may be available for suitable properties.
GBIS vs ECO4: What's the Difference?
| Feature | GBIS | ECO4 |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits required? | No (general group) | Yes |
| Council tax bands | A-D (England) | Any |
| Measures | Insulation only | Insulation, boilers, solar, heat pumps |
| Deadline | March 2026 | December 2026 |
| EPC required? | Yes | Yes (D-G) |
Key difference: GBIS ends 7 months before ECO4. If you don't receive benefits, GBIS is likely your only route to free insulation — and it's closing soon.
What Happens After March 2026?
After GBIS closes on 31 March 2026:
- No confirmed replacement — the government has not announced a successor insulation scheme
- ECO4 continues until December 2026, but only for benefits recipients
- If you don't receive benefits, there may be no free insulation available after March
- Future schemes (if any) could have stricter criteria or lower funding
Bottom line: If you're in council tax bands A-D and don't receive benefits, GBIS is your window. Don't wait for a scheme that may never come.
How to Apply Before the Deadline
- Check your eligibility — use our free eligibility checker (takes 60 seconds)
- Get a free home survey — a qualified assessor visits your property
- Installation arranged — an MCS-certified installer completes the work
- No cost to you — everything is funded by your energy supplier
The process typically takes 4–8 weeks from application to completed installation. With the March 2026 deadline approaching, applying now gives the best chance of completion in time.