People can check online to see if they qualify for support through the Great British Insulation Scheme.
Household energy bills will rise by two per cent under the Ofgem price cap this Autumn. Annual energy bills for millions of households on the standard tariff – with typical average usage – will increase from £1,720 to £1,755 from October 1 – a rise of £35 over the coming year.
The increase will see bills increase by around £2.93 a month for the average household, leaving a home on a default tariff paying £102 for what currently costs £100 per month.
However, an energy-saving scheme introduced by the previous Conservative government could help thousands of people reduce their gas and electricity bills over the coming year.
READ MORE: People in Scotland urged to claim £150 energy bill rebate this winterREAD MORE: List of pensioner heating payments by age and household type due from November
The Great British Insulation Scheme could help low income households save up to £400 each year on their fuel bills through new energy efficiency upgrades. Families in lower Council Tax bands with less energy-efficient homes could be due vital upgrades – such as roof, loft or cavity wall insulation – which can help cut their annual energy bill by an average of between £300 to £400.
Those eligible for support under the Great British Insulation Scheme include families in Council Tax bands A-E in Scotland and Wales and A-D in England, with an Energy Performance Certificate rating of D or below.
The online portal at GOV.UK offers full eligibility details and a list of the home improvement services available. People can also apply directly for the scheme on this page.
You may be able to get the support if you are a homeowner, landlord or tenant (either renting privately or from a housing association).
The guidance on GOV.UK advises that if you’re a tenant, you should speak to your landlord before you apply as you will need their permission before any insulation can be installed.
Home insulation available on the scheme
You may be able to get support to install:
- cavity wall insulation
- solid wall insulation (internal or external)
- loft insulation
- flat or pitched roof insulation
- underfloor insulation
- solid floor insulation
- park home insulation
- room-in-roof insulation
How to check online if you can get support
Before starting the process online at GOV.UK, you will need:
- the total household income
- the type of benefits anyone living in the property receives – you may be eligible for additional support
- your email address or phone number so your energy supplier can contact you if you’re eligible
What happens after you apply
If you’re eligible for support, your energy supplier will contact you to arrange an assessment of the property.
If you need to pay anything, you’ll find out after the assessment. You can decide not to go ahead if you do not agree with the assessment or the costs involved.
If you cannot use the online service
If you can’t use the online checker tool, you can phone the helpline to speak to an adviser at the Great British Insulation Scheme helpline on 0800 098 7950. Lines are open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm (except public holidays) and Saturday, 9am to 12pm.
Full details about the Great British Insulation Scheme can be found online at GOV.UK.
