The government published its response to the consultation on the Great British Insulation Scheme, previously consulted on as ECO+, in March 2023, confirming how households in England, Scotland and Wales will qualify for support under the scheme running from 2023 to 20261. The scheme will target two groups: a general group and a low-income group1.
For the general group, eligibility is set at homes with an EPC rating of D or below and within Council Tax bands A to D in England, A to E in Scotland and A to E in Wales1. The government said it had moved from the bands consulted on:
"Government has decided to implement the proposal mostly as consulted on and target general group support to those in Council Tax bands A-D in England, A-E in Scotland, and A-E in Wales (moving from A-C as consulted on), with an EPC of D or below."
The change for Wales was set out separately, with the government stating that eligibility there is expanded from Council Tax bands A to C as consulted upon to better align the proportion of eligible homes in each nation1. The low-income group will consist of households in homes with an EPC rating of D to G, broadly mirroring the household eligibility requirements of ECO4, meaning those on means tested benefits or living in the least efficient social housing1. At least 20 per cent of each supplier's annual phase target must be delivered to households in the low-income group1.
| Nation | General group Council Tax bands | EPC rating |
|---|---|---|
| England | A to D | D or below |
| Scotland | A to E | D or below |
| Wales | A to E | D or below |
The government estimates the scheme will make around 300,000 homes more energy efficient, and that households receiving insulation upgrades will see bills reduce by around £300 to £400 on average per year1. A minimum of 20 per cent of the support provided through the scheme will go towards boosting support for low-income and vulnerable households1. The scheme applies in England, Scotland and Wales1.
Why it matters for households
The confirmed band limits determine which homes can be treated under the general group, and the EPC condition means the least efficient homes are the target. For a household, eligibility under Great British Insulation Scheme Eligibility depends on both the Council Tax band of the property and its energy performance rating, so a home in band A to D in England with an EPC of C would not qualify through the general group on the rating condition alone. The low-income group routes support to households on means tested benefits or in the least efficient social housing, mirroring ECO41. The scheme sits alongside ECO4, and the differences between the two are set out in Great British Insulation Scheme vs ECO4. Insulation measures of this kind bear directly on a home's energy independence, because they reduce the heat a property loses and therefore the energy it must buy.
What happens next
The government said it will lay affirmative regulations in Parliament, which it expects to come into force later this year1. It also said it plans to launch a self-referral service in summer 2023 as part of GOV.UK1. Suppliers may begin delivering measures ahead of the legislation coming into force, from the date the response was published, but the government stated it will not allow acceptance of measures delivered ahead of publication of the response1. The government also decided not to permit Route 4 as an option for GB Insulation Scheme Flex, and to implement the in-fill proposals as consulted, but without the function enabling blending between ECO4 and the scheme1. A 20 per cent rural off-gas uplift will apply in Scotland and Wales for the low-income group across all measure types1.
Sources1 cited
- Great British Insulation Scheme (2023-2026) and Amendments to ECO4 regulations: government response, assets.publishing.service.gov.uk