As the urgency to combat climate change intensifies, the government and organisations in the UK are implementing various funding schemes to support retrofitting efforts.
These schemes aim to enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and promote sustainable living.
Click the links below to go to the scheme you would like more information about.
Find out about the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme
Find out about the Local Authority Delivery (LAD) Scheme
Find out about the Social Housing Decarbonisation Funding (SHDF) Scheme
Find out about the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) Scheme
Find out about the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) Scheme
This article explores some of the retrofit funding schemes available, including the Energy Company Obligation, Local Authority Delivery Scheme, Decarbonisation Funding Scheme, Home Upgrade Grants Scheme and the Great British Insulation Scheme, explaining their objectives, eligibility criteria, and benefits. These are all schemes that SWIP can provide insulation systems for.
Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government energy efficiency scheme in the UK, introduced to help reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty. The scheme mandates that larger energy suppliers deliver energy efficiency measures to domestic premises.
Who is eligible for the ECO Scheme?
Private tenure – if you own your home or rent from a private landlord, you may be eligible if you claim one of the following benefits:
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Pension Savings Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Child Benefit
- Housing Benefit
If you own your house, it must have an energy efficiency rating of D, E, F or G to be eligible.
If you rent from a private landlord, the house must have an energy efficiency rating of E, F or G to be eligible. You must have the owner’s permission to do the work.
Social housing tenants – If your home has an energy efficiency rating of E, F, or G, you may be eligible for help with insulating a property for the first time.
Benefits of the ECO scheme
Eligible households can receive funding for various energy efficiency improvements, including insulation, heating system upgrades, and smart heating controls.
Local Authority Delivery (LAD) Scheme
The Local Authority Delivery (LAD) schemes are part of the Green Homes Grant aimed at improving the energy efficiency of homes, particularly for low-income households. These schemes are managed and applied for by local authorities to ensure tailored support that meets the specific needs of the community.
Who is eligible for the Local Authority Delivery Scheme
- Income criteria: Households with an annual income of £30,000 or less
- Energy efficiency rating: Properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G
- Geographical focus: Priority is given to areas identified as needing significant energy efficiency improvements
Benefits of the Local Authority Delivery (LAD) Scheme
Funding can cover a wide range of measures, from insulation and low-carbon heating systems to window and door replacements, aimed at reducing energy bills and improving living conditions.
Notes for installers
Installers working under the scheme must ensure they’re working to the requirements of PAS 2035 and TrustMark.
Social Housing Decarbonisation Funding (SHDF) Scheme
The Social Housing Decarbonisation Funding Scheme (SHDF) provides grants to fund heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures. The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund aims to upgrade social housing stock currently below the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band C.
Who is eligible for the Social Housing Decarbonisation Funding Scheme?
- Local authorities
- Combined authorities
- Registered providers of social housing
- Registered charities that own social housing
Benefits of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Funding Scheme
Successful applicants receive grants that can cover some of the costs associated with the decarbonisation projects, reducing the financial burden on public sector bodies.
Notes for installers
Installers working under the scheme must ensure they’re working to the requirements of PAS 2035 and are registered with TrustMark.
Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) Scheme
The Home Upgrade Grant Scheme aims to support low-income households in off the gas network homes by funding energy efficiency and low-carbon heating improvements. This scheme is crucial for addressing fuel poverty and improving living standards in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
Who is eligible for the Home Upgrade Grant Scheme?
Home owners and private tenants, or a private landlord with tenants
- Income criteria: Low-income households with a combined annual income of less than £36,000
- Property type: Homes not connected to the mains gas grid, which are often older and less energy efficient
- Energy performance: Properties with an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G
Benefits of the Home Upgrade Grant Scheme
Grants provided through HUG can be used for a variety of improvements, including wall and loft insulation, heat pumps, and energy-efficient windows and doors. These upgrades help lower energy bills and enhance the overall comfort of homes.
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
The Great British Insulation Scheme is a government funding scheme aimed at improving the energy efficiency of homes in the UK, reducing energy bills and fuel poverty. The scheme requires energy suppliers to assist customers in lowering their heating costs by implementing energy efficiency improvements.
Who is eligible for the Great British Insulation Scheme?
Unlike other schemes, GBIS is open to a wider group of homeowners or tenants. You may be eligible if:
- Properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G
- Your home is in Council Tax bands A to D or A to E in Scotland or Wales
- You are a homeowner or tenant who receives a qualifying benefit
- Your annual household income is below £31,000
To apply for the Great British Insulation Scheme, households should contact an approved installer, their energy supplier, or through the following link on the UK Government website – apply for GBIS.
Benefits of the Great British Insulation Scheme
Homeowners and tenants receive a range of insulation measures such as wall insulation, loft insulation, and underfloor insulation.
