Key Takeaways
- GBIS referral service closed 31 March 2026 — no new referrals accepted.
- ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation, 4th phase) continues until December 2026 — for benefits recipients and low-income households.
- Warm Homes: Local Grant runs until March 2028 — administered by local councils for eligible households.
- Neither ECO4 nor Warm Homes provides funding for spray foam removal.
- No mainstream government scheme in 2026 covers spray foam removal costs.
The Great British Insulation Scheme: Now Closed
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) was a UK government scheme designed to improve energy efficiency in the least energy-efficient UK homes. It funded insulation measures — including loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and in some cases solid wall insulation — for eligible households.
GBIS closed its referral service on 31 March 2026. No new applications or referrals are being accepted. Any homeowner who had not been referred to the scheme before this date cannot now access it. The scheme’s closure was announced by GOV.UK (gov.uk) and confirmed by energy suppliers who administered it.
This closure reduces the available routes for free or subsidised insulation installation. However, two schemes remain active as of June 2026:
ECO4: What It Is and Who Qualifies
ECO4 is the fourth phase of the Energy Company Obligation — a long-standing government policy that requires energy companies to fund insulation and energy efficiency improvements in qualifying homes.
Who qualifies: ECO4 primarily targets households:
– Receiving means-tested benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, etc.)
– In homes with an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G
– Meeting specific income and vulnerability criteria
What it funds: Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, first-time central heating, and other measures. The specific measures available depend on the property’s current energy efficiency and the assessor’s recommendations.
Running until: December 2026. The government has announced ECO4 continues to this date; future policy beyond December 2026 was not confirmed at the time of writing. Check GOV.UK for the most current information.
How to apply: Contact your energy supplier directly. All major energy suppliers are obligated to participate. You can also use the government’s Simple Energy Advice (simpleenergyadvice.org.uk) service to check eligibility.
Spray foam removal: Not covered by ECO4.
Warm Homes: Local Grant
The Warm Homes: Local Grant is a newer scheme, administered by local councils and combined authorities, targeting low-income households in energy-inefficient homes.
Who qualifies: Households with a combined income below the scheme threshold (verify current threshold via your local council) living in properties with low EPC ratings. Renters may also be eligible in some circumstances.
What it funds: Insulation measures, heat pump installations, and other energy efficiency improvements. The specific measures available vary by local authority and funding allocation.
Running until: 31 March 2028. Local authorities received allocations to spend over this period.
How to apply: Contact your local council directly to ask about local Warm Homes or energy efficiency grant schemes. Some areas have more active programmes than others.
Spray foam removal: Not covered under this scheme.
What This Means for Spray Foam Owners
If you have spray foam and were hoping for government grant funding to cover removal costs, the current position is straightforward:
No grant scheme covers spray foam removal. ECO4, Warm Homes, and any remaining GBIS-era activity all fund new insulation installation, not removal of existing spray foam. The government has been explicit that removal costs fall to homeowners.
If you need new insulation after removal, ECO4 or Warm Homes may fund the replacement insulation — if you qualify under their eligibility criteria. This is a separate question from removal funding and depends on your household income, EPC rating, and local programme availability.
The removal cost is yours to fund. The typical total for a standard property — removal plus repairs, re-insulation, and RICS certificate — is approximately £4,000–£10,000+. See our cost guide for a full breakdown.
What This Means for Homeowners Seeking New Insulation
If your loft is currently uninsulated or under-insulated (not spray foam related), check your eligibility for:
- ECO4 via your energy supplier — if you receive qualifying benefits.
- Warm Homes: Local Grant via your local council — if your income is below the scheme threshold.
- Any remaining local authority schemes — some councils have additional energy efficiency funds beyond the national programmes.
Even if you do not qualify for a grant, the cost of new loft insulation is modest (approximately £300–£800 for a standard loft with mineral wool — see our alternatives guide) and delivers meaningful energy savings that typically pay back the investment within a few years.
The Bottom Line
GBIS is gone; ECO4 and Warm Homes remain for qualifying households. None of these cover spray foam removal. If you need removal, budget for it as a private expense — the typical range is £4,000–£10,000+ for a standard property.
Request a removal quote or book an inspection to understand your specific situation.
This is general information, not financial advice — please consult a qualified mortgage broker about your circumstances.
Related reading: Loft insulation grants 2026: who can still get help · Spray foam installed under a government grant? What it means · Best mortgage-friendly loft insulation alternatives