How Could the Great British Insulation Scheme Help Homeowners Save Money?

Estimated reading time 6 minutes
The Great British Insulation Scheme has been introduced to reduce energy bills, improve living conditions and contribute to a greener future for households in England, Scotland and Wales. The government has introduced schemes to combat the cost of living crisis and protect the planet. In this blog, we will look at how the Great British Insulation Scheme can help save you money, how it can improve your carbon footprint and be a benefit to the country’s social well-being.
We will look at the scheme is going to tackle fuel poverty, reduce greenhouse emissions, improve health outcomes, and how this can lead to substantial savings for the NHS.
What is the aim of the Great British Insulation Scheme?
The transformation of the Eco+ scheme into the Great British Insulation Scheme represents a significant shift in the government’s focus and ambition. It continues to empower homeowners to lower their energy bills, save money and improve their homes’ comfort, it now takes on a broader mission—addressing key social challenges too.
Here’s how the GB Insulation Scheme is designed to make a positive impact on multiple fronts:
1. Tackle Fuel Poverty
Fuel poverty is an issue affecting many households in the UK. Many households are struggling to afford adequate heating and have either non-existent or faulty insulation making it impossible to maintain a comfortable, healthy living environment. The GB Insulation Scheme is committed to tackling the root causes of fuel poverty. Are you wondering if your household is eligible?
To qualify as a low-income household, you need to meet one of the following criteria:
- Be receiving means-tested benefits
- Be living in the least efficient social housing
- Be referred through the Local Authority or Supplier Flex mechanisms as being low-income, fuel poor, and/or vulnerable
- For owner-occupiers in this group, if your home has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below, you can receive any qualifying insulation measure, plus heating controls.
If you qualify you will be eligible to apply for upgrades to roof, loft or cavity wall insulation.
Private renters are eligible if they live in an EPC D or E rated home, allowing them to receive any qualifying insulation measure.
Social renters qualify if their housing falls into the EPC E or below category, making them eligible for any qualifying insulation measure. If the home has an EPC D rating, only a qualifying innovation measure is allowed.
For households in the general group, eligibility is less restrictive. While specific criteria aren’t mentioned, this group is likely to include homeowners who don’t meet the low-income criteria outlined above.
To check if you can get support to make your home more energy efficient use the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero online checker tool.
2. Reduce Greenhouse Emissions
The greenhouse gases our homes emit contribute to climate change, by making our homes more energy efficient we will reduce our residential energy consumption this will reduce greenhouse gases, decrease carbon emissions and have a positive impact on the environment and climate change.
3. Improve Health Outcomes
The impact of cold and inefficient homes on health is often underestimated. Poorly insulated and inadequately heated homes can lead to a range of health issues, especially among vulnerable people, like children and the elderly.
Recognising the importance of improved health is one of the key reasons for the scheme’s introduction. When homes are well-insulated and not cold or damp, the risk of illnesses is greatly reduced. This, in turn, leads to fewer healthcare visits, GP appointment’s and as result lowers healthcare costs.
4. Savings for the NHS
The connection between home energy efficiency and healthcare savings is significant. Warmer, healthier homes result in fewer hospital admissions and reduced demand for healthcare services. Consequently, the NHS stands to benefit immensely from the Great British Insulation Scheme.
By addressing the health-related consequences of fuel poverty and inefficiently heated housing, the scheme should lead to substantial savings for the NHS. These savings can be reallocated to other critical healthcare initiatives, ultimately benefiting the entire healthcare system.
How will it save me Money? Will it improve my carbon footprint?
The scheme aims to provide energy efficiency measures to 300,000 households. Those households that participate in the scheme will enjoy save an estimated £300-£400 annually.
With 100,000 homes targeted for upgrades to at least an energy efficiency rating of B and C help should reach those that need it most.
The reduction in greenhouse gases will reduce the country’s carbon footprint contributing to a more sustainable future.
Homeowner’s will benefit from lower your energy bills, improved your living conditions, and a reduced carbon footprint.
Individuals will enjoy better well-being, and the NHS will gain significant savings.
It’s win-win all round.
Applying for the GB Insulation Scheme
Now that you understand the goals of the GB Insulation Scheme, you may be wondering how to apply and make a positive change in your home and community. The application process for the GB Insulation Scheme aligns with its mission to provide accessible support to homeowners while considering their unique needs. Here’s how you can get started:
Check if you can get Support: Check the Government Website tto see if you are eligible for support for Great British Insulation Scheme. Note you will need your total household income, the type of benefits anyone in the property receives, your email address or phone number so your energy supplier can contact you.
Energy Supplier: If you are eligible your energy supplier will contact you. They will serve as your guide throughout the application process, ensuring that you receive the support you need.
Telephone Assessment: Expect a telephone assessment as part of the application process. During this assessment, you’ll provide information about your income, benefits, and your home’s current energy efficiency rating. This step helps determine your eligibility for the scheme.
Home Assessment: After the telephone assessment, a qualified installer will schedule a visit to your home. During this home assessment, they will evaluate your home’s suitability for the grant, ensuring that you receive the right support tailored to your specific requirements.
The scheme may cover the entire cost of the insulation, or homeowners may be required to contribute to the cost. You will not be under any obligation to go ahead with the insulation if you do not agree with the assessment or costs.
Prefer to Sell your Property?
If you are not eligible, don’t want to spend the money and would prefer to move somewhere that already has insulation, you can sell flat fast to Gaffsy. We buy any house, in any condition, anywhere in the UK, if you want to sell your house fast London contact us today for free cash offer.
Gaffsy a leading cash house buyer can guarantee you a sale of your property. We have the funds available to buy directly from you, you will bypass the open market which means there are no chain breaks or drawn-out negotiations. Once the price is agreed we can move as quickly or as slowly as you need. We even pay your legal fees which means the price agreed is the cash you receive.