Grants and Schemes News: page 10
- November 2024
DESNZ publishes ECO4 and GBIS mid-scheme changes consultation
DESNZ has opened a consultation on mid-scheme changes to ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, covering installation standards, guarantees and a proposed Pay-For-Performance mechanism.
ECO4A insulation measures per property rules applied retrospectively
Amendments to the Energy Company Obligation orders limit insulation measures per property and apply retrospectively to installations completed on or after 14th November 2024, under an order made on 31st July 2025.
Legislation to allow combined loft and cavity wall insulation and smart thermostats in GBIS from consultation publication date
The government has confirmed it will legislate to let Great British Insulation Scheme projects install two insulation measures together and fit smart thermostats in low-income homes, backdated to 14 November 2024.
Solid floor and underfloor insulation became installable together under GBIS
Ofgem has confirmed that solid floor insulation and underfloor insulation can be installed together in the same Great British Insulation Scheme retrofit, under rules it says apply from 14 November 2024.
British Gas Energy Trust reopens Energy Support Fund for winter applications
The British Gas Energy Trust has reopened its Energy Support Fund for winter, offering grants of up to £2,000 to British Gas customers in England, Scotland and Wales who are behind on their bills.
Birmingham City Council publishes version 6.0 of its ECO4 and GBIS Statement of Intent
Birmingham City Council has published version 6.0 of its Statement of Intent for ECO4 and Great British Insulation Scheme flexible eligibility, covering declarations issued from 1 November 2024 until March 2026.
Consultation on ECO4 and GBIS mid-scheme changes concluded
The government has concluded its November 2024 consultation on mid-scheme changes to ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, confirming rule changes intended to lift delivery before both schemes end in March 2026.
Government commits initial £3.4 billion for Warm Homes Plan
The government committed an initial £3.4 billion for its Warm Homes Plan in November 2024, covering financial years 2025-26 to 2027-28, with up to 300,000 households expected to benefit from upgrades.
Scottish Government announced £41 million additional energy cost support
The Scottish Government put £41 million into winter 2024/2025 energy cost support, split between the Scottish Welfare Fund and Warmer Homes Scotland.
- October 2024
Autumn Budget commits £3.4bn to energy efficiency of low-income homes
The Autumn Budget has committed £3.4 billion over three years to improve the energy efficiency of low-income homes, with £1.8 billion directed to fuel poverty schemes.
Household Support Fund extension announced
The Chancellor announced funding on 30 October 2024 to extend the Household Support Fund for a further year, with £742 million going to local authorities in England from April 2025.
British Gas Energy Trust and Post Office launch winter pop-up events
The British Gas Energy Trust and the Post Office are running free drop-in pop-up events at post offices in seven UK cities this winter, offering budget planning, energy debt advice and grant access help.
NEA announces delivery of Warm Homes, Healthy Futures with the four gas distribution networks
National Energy Action has announced delivery of Warm Homes, Healthy Futures, a £12.2 million programme with the four gas distribution networks, intended to reach around 30,000 vulnerable people.
Version 3 Statement of Intent withdrawn
The City of Edinburgh Council has withdrawn the 2023 Statement of Intent for ECO4 flexible eligibility Version 3, the document that set out which households the council could declare eligible for ECO4 Flex.
Green Homes Wales pilot scheme launched by Welsh Government with Development Bank of Wales
The Welsh Government has launched the Green Homes Wales pilot with the Development Bank of Wales, offering homeowners interest-free loans and funded retrofit advice for energy-saving work.
Fourth round of winter Post Office Pop-Ups launches
The British Gas Energy Trust has opened a fourth winter round of money and energy advice Pop-Ups in Post Offices across Britain, running two days a week until March 2025.
Secretary of State authorises Ofgem to over-allocate Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant vouchers
The Energy Secretary has authorised Ofgem to over-allocate Boiler Upgrade Scheme vouchers by up to £50 million, lifting the scheme's available total to £200 million for the financial year.
Budget allocates £3.4 billion to the Warm Homes Plan
The government allocated £3.4 billion to the Warm Homes Plan in the Autumn Budget, including £1.8 billion for fuel poverty schemes, alongside tax incentives for electric vehicles.
Budget confirms £3.4 billion Warm Homes Plan downpayment but no new energy bill support
The first Budget of the new Government confirmed £3.4 billion for the Warm Homes Plan but offered no new support for households with energy bills this winter.
New crisis route introduced for households without heating or hot water
The Welsh Government has added a crisis route to the Warm Homes Nest scheme, giving one-off emergency repairs to households with no heating or hot water who meet the scheme's eligibility rules.
UK Government launches heat pump campaign for England and Wales
The UK Government has launched a heat pump campaign for England and Wales, encouraging households to adopt the technology and apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Green Homes Wales pilot launched in autumn 2024
The Green Homes Wales pilot, launched in autumn 2024, has offered households above the Nest and ECO4 income thresholds advice, interest-free finance and vetted retrofit experts.
Green Homes Wales scheme launched
The Welsh Government launched the Green Homes Wales scheme in October 2024, offering interest-free loans of between £1,000 and £25,000 to homeowners for energy-saving improvements.
Household Support Fund extended to end of March 2026 at same funding level
The Budget has extended the Household Support Fund to the end of March 2026 at the same cash level as under the previous government, with no inflation adjustment, while confirming £3.4 billion for the Warm Homes Plan.
Public support for energy social tariff surges ahead of the Budget
Opinium polling for the Warm This Winter campaign puts public support for an energy social tariff at 75 per cent, up from 57 per cent before the General Election, ahead of the Budget.
Research finds 84% of disabled pensioners expect to lose Winter Fuel Payments
Opinium research reported by the End Fuel Poverty Coalition finds 84% of older people with a long-term health condition or disability say they will no longer receive Winter Fuel Payments.
Tariff uplift increased BUS grant levels
Ofgem's twelfth Boiler Upgrade Scheme quarterly report confirms the grant rose to £7,500 for air and ground source heat pumps from 23 October 2023, with £189.7 million allocated in Year 3.
TrustMark audits identify poor-quality solid wall insulation under ECO4 and GBIS
TrustMark audits in October 2024 found significant poor-quality solid wall insulation installed under ECO4 and GBIS, prompting installer suspensions and a wider government audit.
Warm Home Discount scheme to open in October 2024
The Warm Home Discount in Scotland reopens in October 2024, paying £150 towards energy costs, as charities report rising energy debt among Scottish households.
Winter Fuel Payment means testing proceeds despite campaign concerns
The UK Government is proceeding with means testing the Winter Fuel Payment, as charities warn up to 970,000 eligible older people miss out on Pension Credit and will lose the payment.