The Warm Homes Plan is the UK government's flagship home-upgrade programme, published in January 2026 with £15 billion of public investment over this Parliament (DESNZ). It is the biggest home-upgrade programme in British history and replaces the ECO supplier-obligation model with direct government funding, low-interest loans and new rules for landlords. The plan aims to upgrade up to 5 million homes by 2030 and lift up to a million families out of fuel poverty, funding heat pumps, solar panels, batteries, insulation and smart controls. ECO4 still runs until 31 December 2026, so eligible households should apply now rather than wait.
What this means for you right now
- Already on benefits or in a colder, less efficient home? Check ECO4 now instead of waiting for 2027.
- Not on benefits? You may still qualify through LA Flex, your local council, or other government energy grants.
- If you want the fastest answer: use the free eligibility checker before current funding closes.
What is the Warm Homes Plan?
The Warm Homes Plan is the UK government's successor to the ECO4 scheme, published in January 2026. With £15 billion of public investment over this Parliament, it is the biggest home-upgrade programme in British history — set to reach up to 5 million homes by 2030.
Unlike ECO4, which is a supplier obligation requiring energy companies to fund improvements, the Warm Homes Plan is funded by £15 billion of direct public investment. Around £5 billion is ring-fenced for fully funded packages for low-income households, alongside the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme and low-interest loans open to all households. This marks a fundamental shift from supplier-funded to government-funded home upgrades.
Key change: There will be no ECO5 or successor supplier obligation after ECO4 ends in December 2026. The Warm Homes Plan is the new model going forward.
£15 Billion — The Biggest Investment Ever
The Warm Homes Plan represents an unprecedented investment in UK energy efficiency:
- £15 billion of public investment over this Parliament (to 2029/30)
- Up to 5 million homes upgraded by 2030
- Aims to lift up to a million families out of fuel poverty by 2030
- Around £5 billion for fully funded packages for low-income households
- Published January 2026 — the biggest home-upgrade programme in British history
Timeline: What's Happening When
January 2026
The Warm Homes Plan is published — £15 billion of public investment confirmed. Delivery routes including the Warm Homes: Local Grant and the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme are open to eligible households.
March 2026
GBIS (Great British Insulation Scheme) closed to new applications on 31 March 2026 as planned. If you don't claim benefits, LA Flex and the Warm Homes: Local Grant are the live insulation routes.
December 2026
ECO4 scheme ends on 31 December 2026 (extended from original March 2026 deadline). Final applications must be completed before this date.
By 2030
The Warm Homes Plan rolls out to up to 5 million homes and aims to lift up to a million families out of fuel poverty. Private rented homes must reach EPC C by October 2030.
What Homeowners Should Do NOW
If you're eligible for current schemes, do not wait for the Warm Homes Plan. Here's why:
- ECO4 ends December 2026: Current ECO4 funding closes permanently on 31 December 2026. There will be no ECO5.
- Processing takes time: Applications take 4-8 weeks from submission to installation. Apply now to secure funding before the deadline.
- Eligibility may change: The Warm Homes Plan targets low-income households in fuel poverty. Current ECO4 eligibility may not transfer to the new scheme.
- Different routes, different criteria: ECO4 and the Warm Homes: Local Grant have separate eligibility rules — securing ECO4 now means you don't have to rely on a single scheme.
Action required: Check your ECO4 eligibility now and apply before funding runs out. Don't assume you'll qualify for the Warm Homes Plan.
Best next step by situation
Start with the ECO4 scheme and then run the checker.
Compare today’s support under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme before waiting for 2027.
Use the postcode checker and we’ll point you to the best-fit current scheme.
Who Will Benefit from the Warm Homes Plan?
The Warm Homes Plan specifically targets:
- Low-income households — those on means-tested benefits or low earnings
- Fuel poverty households — homes spending more than 10% of income on energy
- Energy inefficient properties — homes with poor insulation and heating
- Vulnerable households — elderly, disabled, families with young children
For low-income owner-occupiers, the main route is the Warm Homes: Local Grant (England) — open to households with an income of around £36,000 or less, or receiving means-tested benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Income Support, with an EPC of D–G. Social housing tenants are covered by the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, and the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme is open to all homeowners.
How the Warm Homes Plan Differs from ECO4
| Feature | ECO4 (ending 2026) | Warm Homes Plan (from 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Funding Model | Supplier obligation (energy companies required to fund) | Government grants (direct government funding) |
| Total Investment | ~£4bn (ECO4 phase) | ~£15bn (total programme) |
| Target Group | Low income + flexible eligibility | Low income households in fuel poverty |
| Procurement | Energy suppliers choose installers | Government grants, loans and local-authority delivery |
| End Date | 31 December 2026 | Runs over this Parliament (to 2029/30) |
What Measures Will Be Covered?
The Warm Homes Plan funds a broad "whole-house" set of energy-efficiency measures, including:
- Loft insulation
- Cavity wall insulation
- Solid wall insulation (internal and external)
- Floor insulation
- Boiler replacements and upgrades
- First-time central heating
- Air source heat pumps
- Solar panels and home batteries
- Smart heating controls
The government has indicated the Warm Homes Plan will take a "whole house" approach to energy efficiency, similar to ECO4's methodology.
What Happened to GBIS and ECO5?
The government's January 2026 consultation response confirmed:
- GBIS closed to new applications on 31 March 2026 as originally planned (not extended)
- ECO4 extended to 31 December 2026 (was due to end March 2026)
- No ECO5 or successor supplier obligation — the ECO framework is being replaced entirely
- The Warm Homes Plan replaces both schemes with a new government-funded model
This represents the biggest structural change to UK energy efficiency policy in over a decade.
Check Your Eligibility Now
If you qualify for ECO4 right now, secure that funding before it closes on 31 December 2026 — and check the Warm Homes: Local Grant if you don't claim benefits.
Use our free eligibility checker to find out which grants you qualify for today. Applications take 60 seconds, and we'll connect you with approved installers if you're eligible.