Key Takeaways
- GBIS closed 31 March 2026 — the largest free-insulation route is gone.
- ECO4 continues to December 2026 for benefits recipients.
- Warm Homes: Local Grant continues to March 2028 via local councils.
- Some councils have additional local energy efficiency programmes — worth checking directly.
- Spray foam removal is not covered by any grant scheme.
- Private loft insulation (mineral wool) is affordable even without a grant — typically £300–£800 for a standard loft.
Schemes Available in 2026
ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation, 4th phase)
What it is: A government obligation on energy suppliers to fund insulation and energy efficiency measures in qualifying homes. ECO4 is the current phase, running until December 2026.
What it covers: Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, and other energy efficiency measures. The specific measures available depend on the property’s assessment.
Who qualifies: The scheme targets:
– Households receiving qualifying means-tested benefits (see below)
– Properties with low EPC ratings (typically D, E, F, or G)
Qualifying benefits include: Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit (where income is below a threshold), Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings Credit), Income-Related Employment & Support Allowance, Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance, and Income Support.
How to apply: Contact your energy supplier. All major suppliers (British Gas, EDF, E.ON, Octopus, Ovo, Scottish Power, and others) are ECO4 obligated. Ask specifically about loft insulation under ECO4. You can also check eligibility via the Simple Energy Advice service (simpleenergyadvice.org.uk, which redirects to GOV.UK).
Important: ECO4 runs until December 2026 and will not continue in its current form after this date. Apply as soon as possible if you think you may qualify.
Warm Homes: Local Grant
What it is: A government scheme administered through local councils and combined authorities, targeting low-income households in energy-inefficient homes. Different from ECO4 in that eligibility and available measures vary by local area and council allocation.
What it covers: Energy efficiency measures including loft insulation, heat pump installations, solar panels, and other improvements depending on the local programme design.
Who qualifies: Households with gross income below a threshold (typically around £36,000, but verify for your local area) living in properties with lower EPC ratings. Renters may qualify in some local programmes.
Running until: 31 March 2028.
How to apply: Contact your local council. Search “[your council name] Warm Homes Local Grant” or ask your council’s housing or energy department. Not all local authorities are equally active in promoting their programmes.
Local Authority Additional Schemes
Some local authorities, combined authorities, and housing associations run their own energy efficiency grant or loan programmes beyond the national schemes. These vary widely by area — check directly with:
– Your local council (housing or sustainability team)
– Your local combined authority (if applicable)
– Your housing association (if you are in social housing)
Eligibility: A Quick Check
| Scheme | Income test | Property test | Benefit test |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECO4 | Implicit (benefits-linked) | EPC D–G | Yes — qualifying benefits |
| Warm Homes: Local Grant | Yes (~£36k gross, varies) | Low EPC | Not always required |
| Local authority schemes | Varies | Varies | Varies |
If you are uncertain about eligibility, the simplest route is to contact your energy supplier (for ECO4) or local council (for Warm Homes) and ask directly.
What Spray Foam Removal Is NOT Covered
This is an important clarification. None of the schemes above cover spray foam removal. They are designed to install new energy efficiency measures — not to remove existing ones that have caused problems.
Spray foam removal costs — typically £4,000–£10,000+ for a standard property including repairs, re-insulation, and RICS certificate — must be funded privately. There is no current government support for this.
If you qualify for ECO4 or Warm Homes and need re-insulation after removal, the re-insulation itself may be eligible for grant support (as a new insulation installation in a property that now has no insulation). This is worth exploring with your supplier or council after removal is complete.
If You Don’t Qualify for a Grant
Private loft insulation is affordable relative to the energy savings it delivers:
– Mineral wool at 270–300mm for a standard 100m² loft: approximately £300–£800 professionally installed
– DIY installation (purchasing materials and laying them yourself): approximately £150–£300 in materials
The payback period for loft insulation is typically two to five years in energy savings. This makes it one of the most cost-effective home improvements available — even without a grant.
See our full alternatives and costs guide.
The Bottom Line
Grant-funded loft insulation is still available in 2026 for eligible households — but the window is narrowing (ECO4 ends December 2026). Check eligibility now if you think you may qualify. If you do not qualify, private insulation is affordable and delivers meaningful energy savings. Spray foam removal, separately, remains a private cost.
Request a re-insulation quote or check what you need with an independent inspection.
This is general information, not financial advice — please consult a qualified mortgage broker about your circumstances.
Related reading: GBIS closed 2026: what insulation grants are left · Best mortgage-friendly loft insulation alternatives · How much loft insulation do you need?