Lots of insulation is needed to increase the comfort of your home as well as reducing energy bills.
Loft Insulation & Cavity Insulation, Underfloor Insulation , Internal & External Wall Insulation.
Spending money in this area is a no brainer as all insulation measures will pay for themselves eventually.
Free Insulation Grants Are Available Too
Solar Panels
Solar panels could increase your home’s value by 4.1% !
Solar panels are the new kid in town and everyone is having them fitted to counter high energy prices.
What Is The Eco 4 Grant Scheme
This is a government funded scheme known as the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) that large suppliers must follow to help low income households afford to make their homes energy efficient.
Under the scheme, suppliers with more than 150,000 customers are required to offer energy efficient home improvements to low-income households.
The ECO scheme launched in 2013.
Under the scheme, medium and larger energy suppliers fund the installation of energy efficiency measures in British households.
Each supplier has an overall target based on its share of the domestic energy market in Britain.
It is only available to people who get certain benefits and are classed as low income households
Heating & Insulation grants worth many millions have been given out over the last 8 years and have helped many low income households with free upgrades.
Warm Front Grant For Eco 4
Not looking good for heating measures for Eco 4.
- Any heating measures will need to be accompanied by an insulation measure ( if needed of course ).
No more boiler or storage heaters only if insulation measures are still found to be needed at the property. ( BEIS have finally caught on )
- No more duals.
- First time central heating ( FTCH ) limited to homes with an existing gas supply.
- Electric heated homes no longer eligible for FTCH (unless they have an existing gas supply)
- Oil & LPG boilers still excluded for exchange.
- Gas Warm Air Heating & gas room heaters can now qualify for FTCH
- Non Condensing Boilers ( boilers over 15 years old ) uncapped for exchange
- Solar PV – electric heated homes can apply for this
- Air Source Heat Pumps – ( not really Eco) but grants will be available for boilers to be upgraded under the new Boiler Upgrade Scheme. The government will give you £5000 towards a new heat pump with the applicant paying £2500 or so.
Looking on the bright side …………………………no more 5 year old “broken boilers” will go to landfill 😁
The Return Of Storage Heaters ?
Not really. 🙁
It seems that these will be capped at 5000 ( As well as boilers )
However taken from the consultation ” Inefficient heating systems upgraded with efficient heating will not be subject to a cap”
suggests that more can qualify for exchanged if proved to be inefficient.
I’ll await clarification!
Warm Front Grants For Insulation For Eco 4
Gas Heated Properties will now qualify for insulation ……………………………….. HOORAY 😁
However , I believe that OFF GAS HOMES will still be well sought out by installers due to their lower EPC ratings so dont get too excited about this new addition to allow insulation for gas heated homes.
20000 solid wall homes per year will qualify for Solid Wall Insulation which will be very popular and will be massively oversubscribed.
Lots of applicants will be left disappointed ( especially mid terraced homes ! )
Life Time Savings – The End
The life times savings LTS scoring mechanism is being renamed as the new Annual Bill Savings ( ABS ) to reinforce the message that the scheme is designed to reduce heating bills.
Lifetime savings not really very clear on its purpose and could refer to a funeral directors! 🙂
Installer Incentive For Multi Measures
Partial Project Scores PPS and Full Project Scores FPS are being brought in to dangle the carrot to installers making it very much in their interest to adopt the whole house approach and install as many measures as possible.
The more measures installed , the better the payment.
A bonus of up to 30% could be on the table for installers going down this route.
OFF THE MENU / BEING DISCONTINUED
- LPG bottles & tanks
- No new gas connections.
- Single insulation measure
- Single heating measures
- Many Disability Benefits
- No more combi boiler swaps.
- New gas connections
Which Benefits Will Qualify For Green Homes Grants ?
- Child Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Employment & Support Allowance
- Job Seekers Allowance
- Pension Credit – Guarantee
- Pension Credit – Savings Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
Child Benefit Income Threshholds
Type of Claimant – Number Of Qualifying Children
1 2 – 3 – 4 or more
Single Claimant 1 9800 – 24600 – 29400 – 34200
Member Of A Couple 27300 – 32 100 – 36900 – 41700
Which Benefits Being Removed For Eco 4
These benefits no longer eligible from July 1 2022
- Industrial Injuries Benefit
- Armed Forces Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Disabled Living Allowance
- War Pension Mobility
ECO 4 Summary
It looks quite good and better value for tax payers funding so bring it on NOW!
HOWEVER, Eco would not be Eco if it did not discriminate against some homes in some way ……………………..
I predict the below will be not eligible indirectly of course passed over in Eco 4 by our good friends the cherry pickers 😁
- Cavity Wall Properties
- Flats
- Semi Bungalows & Mid Terraced
- Maissonettes.
Victorian homes will suddenly become very popular come July 😉
No Level Playing Field Once Again !
And the winners for ECO 4 are……………………………………
Those with big properties once again 🙁
I suppose if you cant beat them………………………..join them !
ECO 4 is the next stage of the Government scheme to upgrade heating and insulation for those on means tested benefits in the UK.
Eco 4 will run from July 1 2022- 2026 and will cost £4 billion in total.
1 billion £ per year has been earmarked to be spent for the next 4 years on improvements to reduce the UK carbon footprint and reduce energy costs for the most vulnerable people who are on a low income.
This is an increase in funding for the previous schemes of around 25 % to show the UK commitment to carbon zero targets.
ECO 4 will be a PAS (Publicly Available Specification) led fabric first approach, therefore compliance with PAS 2030 and PAS2035 will be required.
To learn more about the New Eco 4 Scheme please visit the Ofgem Website
Eco 4 In A NutShell
- A minimum target of improving 150,000 private tenure homes in E, F & G bands to a minimum target of D.
- A solid wall minimum target of 90,000 solid wall measures over the 4-year scheme,- includes both internal wall and external wall insulation.
- To get first time central heating, you will be required to have solid wall insulation, or cavity wall insulation.
- No replacement or installation of Oil or LPG tanks.
- 35% off-gas rural uplift for Scotland and Wales.
- LA-Flex increased to 50% for energy companies. This is a new scheme to target households on low incomes, but not in receipt of benefits.
What is the difference between ECO3 and ECO4 energy grants?
A broken boiler and electric storage heating (ESH) replacement cap for efficient heating will be set at 5,000 per year.
This will not last long and will probably run out in the first 3 months.
Inefficient heating systems upgraded with efficient heating will not be subject to a cap.
Repairs will be capped at 5,000 homes per year, subject to certain conditions.
What Is The Main Focus For Eco4 ?
INSULATION, INSULATION, AND INSULATION!
For Eco 4 only homes ( home owned and private rented ) with an energy efficiency band of D to G will be eligible for grant funding. This is so the funding will only be aimed at the worst insulated homes in the UK
The minimum requirement will be for F & G bands to be increased to D and for E & D bands to be increased to C.
For Social Housing and the Private Rented Sector (PRS), ECO 4 will support the least efficient homes in bands E to G only.
Measures available through the new Eco 4 grant scheme
- loft insulation,
- cavity wall insulation,
- solid wall insulation
- boiler replacement
- storage heater replacement.
- Heat Pumps
- Solar Panels
Eco 4 – Not For People In Fuel Poverty !
I hope when the new prime minister gets in, He /She has the decency to start helping people in fuel poverty and redesigns the Eco 4 Scheme.
The new Eco 4 Scheme does nothing to help the most vulnerable people in society and the new energy price rise announced today will be the final straw for a lot of people.
I remember people killing themseves over the poll tax fiasco when some could not afford to pay this tax and taking drastic action.
No Storage Heaters Or Insulation Sorry
The most expensive form of heating are old storage heaters and many people on the breadline live in flats which are usually electric heated. The government have chosen not to provide any funding to exchange old storage heaters for Eco 4.
I suppose their thinking is to help decrease the surplus population in the Uk !
Also insulation for gas heated properties has not been allowed for this scheme again.
Increased Demand For Insulation
Im throwing away 2 thirds of all leads from people in genuine need of upgrading their insulation but because they have the wrong form of heating they cant have it!
Also, all people applying for storage heaters are going in the bin too.
Tens Of Thousands Of £ For Off Gas Homes
Instead the helping people in fuel poverty the govenment are giving between 10 to 30 thousand £ worth of measures to off gas homes so that they can have FREE AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS & FREE SOLID WALL INSULATION.
What a scandal.
I suppose the fatcats will be happy! 😡
Money Wisely Spent?
Im sure all the people who cant afford to put their heating on or afford to cook a meal will be happy that the energy levy they are paying on their bills is being spent wisely!
I heard today from 1 landlady ( who I turned down for new storage heaters ) has a tenant who has to have cold showers because of the worry of the heating cost.
What Is The Criteria For The Eco 4 Scheme 2022
To qualify you must satisfy the criteria below You must :
- Be a resident at the property and receive a qualifying benefit or be on a low income ( BELOW 30000 )
- Be a home owner or private tenant
- Have old heating and insulation that needs upgrading.4- Your property must be in EPC Band D-E -F-G
Are All Councils Partaking In The New The Eco 4 Scheme
This first round of funding will go to 22 local authorities in England.
Please see Gov Uk For a list of councils.
The worst performing homes, ranging from Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Bands ‘D’ to’ G’, are eligible to receive efficiency upgrades under HUG.
BEIS says up to 4300 low-income homes will benefit from this round of funding, and it expects them to see their fuel bills cut by up to £200 a year.
BEIS FUNDING
The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has allocating funding of £950million to pay for the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG).
£67m going to local authorities across England to improve low-income, off-gas grid households.
Grants will pay for energy efficiency measures such as wall and roof insulation as well as new low carbon heating systems, thermostats and room heating controls.
Works are expected to be completed by the end of March 2023.
Low Income Homes Will Benefit
The money will help people who are most vulnerable to fuel poverty, who are on low incomes, and are living in off-gas grid homes which cost a lot more to heat.
Rented and owner-occupiers are eligible and these upgrades will help to reduce their bills and make their homes warmer.
A statement from BEIS said: “The funding is part of the £6.6 billion the government is investing this parliament to decarbonise buildings, of which over £2 billion is aimed specifically at lower-income households.
This will play a significant role in helping the UK to reach its world-leading climate change ambitions and, with upgraded insulation making it easier to keep homes warm, it will save people money on their energy bills.”
Will You Have To Pay Back The Grant In The Future
NO. If you are awarded a home improvement grant under the government eco scheme, you will not have to repay anything back in the future, even if you move home.
Funding has been set aside by the Big Energy Companies who raise this money by a levy on all UK fuel bills. This levy is approx £29 per year which is paid by all utility users.
Do not feel guilty as in effect they are only giving you your money back!
The grant and warranty will be awarded free of charge as long as you meet the very strict criteria.
Do Social Housing Qualify for a grant?
Will All Heating Grants Be Free For Eco 4?
Money to install the heating and insulation measures are sourced through the scheme and its grants, so you won’t have to pay out to cover our costs during the process apart from Heat Pumps which require a large contribution
This allows you to get your brand new boiler and most insulation measures totally free of charge.
Eco 4 Grants 2022 – The Energy Company Obligation
The Energy Company Obligation has a good track record of delivering such upgrades to homes.
Since 2013, it has installed around 3.5 million energy efficiency measures in 2.4 million homes across Great Britain.
In April, we published the response to the consultation on the future of the Energy Company Obligation across Great Britain, committing to an expansion of the scheme from £640 million to £1 billion a year and extending it by four years to 2026.
Today the Government has laid the regulations for the scheme.
The last iteration of the Energy Company Obligation scheme, ECO3, came to an end on 31 March 2022 and since 1 April 2022, ECO3 measures could continue to be delivered to previous scheme rules (subject to some exceptions) until 30 June 2022.
Similarly, suppliers have had the option to deliver to the new scheme, ECO4, rules from 1 April 2022.
What Will Happen For Eco 4
ECO4 will based on properties meeting the Minimum Requirement (MR) .
To achieve this, you will need to improve a property’s SAP score sufficiently to achieve an increase in the EPC Band from F or G to an E or from D or E to a C.
This can only be done with a multi measure approach to all grant applicants.
This will mean that you will no longer be able to offer a single measure for loft or cavity insulation and that homes will need to fully insulate their home (where needed ) to qualify for the grant scheme.
EPC Bands
Government will mandate minimum energy efficiency improvements requiring Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band F and G homes to be improved to a minimum Band D .
a Band D and E homes to be improved to a minimum Band C, contributing to our statutory fuel poverty target and interim milestone.
To make greater progress on upgrading the least energy efficient homes, there is a minimum target of upgrading 150,000 Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band E, F and G private tenure homes.
This will ensure the least energy efficient homes are not left behind.
Furthermore, a minimum target of 90,000 solid wall insulation measures is introduced to maintain the focus on insulating harder to treat homes, while supporting the solid wall insulation industry.
Heating Repairs To Boilers & Storage Heaters
Under the scheme, support for repairs and replacements of broken gas and electric storage heating systems will be limited to 5,000 homes per year.
The repair of inefficient oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems will be permitted as a last resort where renewable heating cannot be installed.
This will ensure measures installed under ECO4 align with the Government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy and net zero targets.
Homes in off-gas rural areas will be incentivised in Scotland and Wales, to ensure homes that may be harder to reach and more expensive to deliver are not left behind.
ECO4 has been designed to complement the Home Upgrade Grant in off-gas homes in England, social housing funding and the private rented sector regulations.
It will continue to work alongside existing energy efficiency and fuel poverty policies in Scotland and Wales.
LA FLEX SCHEMES
Up to 50% of a supplier’s obligation may be delivered under the reformed Flexible Eligibility mechanism (ECO4 Flex), an increase from 25% under the previous scheme.
ECO4 Flex enables local authorities, the Scottish and Welsh Governments and energy suppliers to target and refer other low-income households who may not be in receipt of means tested benefits.
A new scoring methodology will be introduced, providing greater support to the worst performing homes.
Support will continue for new and innovative installation methods and measures via a reformed Innovation Measure mechanism.
Only fully tested measures with adequate consumer protection will be eligible.
Free Uk Home Improvement Grants
Making improvements to your heating and insulation will greatly increase the perceived value of a house.
With ever rising heating bills, a well insulated house and new heating is also another well sought out thing when it comes to buying a house.
Check if you are eligible for Government funded grants before you splash out on any home improvement measures .
We have prepared this blog to assist you :
- increase your home comforts and enjoyment of your home
- reduce your energy usage
- improve your Home Epc Rating
- Add value to your home
Government Grants For Boilers
Only Non Condensing boilers and back boilers behind the fire will be eligible for the Free Grant
All wall hung boilers will need to be around 17 years old or more to be eligible for exchange.
Back Boilers can be any age.
Government Grant For Free External Wall Insulation
To Be Eligible for a Government Grant for Solid Wall Insulation you must :
- Have A LPG Boiler Fitted
- You Must Be A Home Owner
- You Receive a Qualifying Benefit
- Your home has solid walls
- Your EPC rating is F or G
Government Grants – Free First Time Central Heating
Storage Heaters – Warm Air System – Wood / Coal / Fossil Fuel Fired Heating – LPG with no Radiators -No Heating Present
Government Grant – Free Storage Heaters
There is only funding for 5000 storage heaters in this scheme.
To Be Eligible for Free Storage Heaters you must have :
- Electric Plug-in Heaters Fitted
- You Receive a Qualifying Benefit
- You Are A Home Owner Or Private Tenant
- Have insulation fitted at the same time
Government Home Insulation Grant
Every insulation applicant will no longer be able to pick and choose what insulation they want for their home.
They will have a survey and all insulation meaures found not to be present will be done ( subject to funding of course )
To Be Eligible for Home Insulation you must have :
- No Or Minimal Insulation Fitted
- YOUR EPC MUST BE A MINIMUM OF E
- You Receive a Qualifying Benefit
- You Are A Home Owner Or private Tenant
Government Grants For Heat Pumps
People who wish to upgrade their old boiler to a new heat pump will be given £5000 grant from the government to subsidise it.
This should mean that all applicants will only pay £4000 contribution approx towards it. Half price in other words.
Not finalised yet but figures are thought to be around this.
This will be very popular and probably over subscribes with many applications failing.
What UK Home Improvement Grants Are Available?
Government Free Boiler Scheme 2023
You Qualify If You:
✅ Have A Home EPC Of E – F- G
✅Have a Mains Gas Non Condensing Boiler Over 18 Years Old OR Have A Back Boiler Behind The Fire
✅ Are A Home Owner In Receipt Of A Benefit
✅ Have All Insulation Measures Needed To Increase EPC Rating To A C or D
❌ No Oil / LPG Boilers Exchanged (You may Qualify For A Heat Pump / Solar )
Free Central Heating 2023
You Qualify If You:
✅ Have Not Had Central Heating Fitted In The Past
✅ Have A Home EPC Of E – F- G
✅Have a Gas Meter Fitted Before April 2022
✅ Are A Home Owner / Private Tenant / ( Landlord that has a Resident In Receipt Of A Benefit)
✅ Have All Insulation Measures Needed To Increase EPC Rating To A C or D
Free Storage Heaters 2023
At Present Old Storage Heaters are being replaced for Central Heating / Heat Pumps / Free Solar.
( Subject to property type )
You Qualify If You:
✅ Have A Home EPC Of E – F- G
✅Have Old Storage Heaters Fitted
✅ Are A Home Owner In Receipt Of A Benefit
✅ Have All Insulation Measures Needed To Increase EPC Rating To A C or D
Free Insulation 2023
You Qualify If You:
✅ Have A Home EPC Of E – F- G
✅Have Off Gas Heating
✅ Are A Home Owner / Private Tenant / Landlord that has a Resident In Receipt Of A Benefit
✅ Have All Insulation Measures Needed To Increase EPC Rating To A C or D
❌ No Gas Boiler Heated Homes Accepted
Landlords Grants 2023
You Qualify If You:
✅ Have A Home EPC Of E – F- G
✅ Do Not Have a Mains Gas Boiler Fitted
✅ Have A Tenant In Receipt Of A Benefit
✅ Have All Insulation Measures Needed To Increase EPC Rating To A C or D
Park Homes Grants 2023
You Qualify If You:
✅ Have A Home EPC Of E – F- G
✅Have Old Heating That Needs Upgrading
✅ Are A Home Owner / Tenant In Receipt Of A Benefit
✅ Have All Insulation Measures Needed To Increase EPC Rating To A C or D
Free Solid Wall Insulation Grants 2023
You Qualify If You:
✅ Have A Home EPC Of E – F- G
✅ Have First Time Central Heating Fitted
✅ Are A Home Owner / Tenant In Receipt Of A Benefit
✅ Have All Insulation Measures Needed To Increase EPC Rating To A C or D
Who Is Eligible For A Home Improvement Grant 2023 ?
Free Home Improvement Grants are aimed at Low Income households that will struggle with the costs to heat their home.
All heating and insulation grants are usually 100 % fully funded if you receive a benefit or are on a low income.
There are several different ways in which a household might qualify,
- Household income is below £31,0000,
- Being in receipt of certain government benefits
- Having an energy performance certificate (EPC)between D-G for their home.
Qualifying Benefits
- Child Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Employment & Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Job Seekers Allowance
- Pension Credit – Guarantee & Savings
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credit
Improve Your EPC Rating
The Government Home Improvement Grant Scheme is a government initiative for all home owners to improve their home EPC rating.
Everyone can benefit from Free Heating & Insulation measures.
Your EPC Certificate will tell buyers how well insulated your home is and having a rating of C or D is very desirable at the moment .
The worst homes are rated F & G and will cost a bomb to run over the winter.
These grants are mainly available to all benefit claimants but some postcodes do not need to be in receipt of a benefit to qualify.
Why Apply For A Grant ?
✅ There Is No Catch – We Guarantee it !
✅ If Your Application Is Accepted Your Grant Is 100% FREE
✅ You Will Reduce Your Energy Bills By Up To £300 Per Year
✅ You Will Add Lots Of Value To Your Home
✅ The Scheme Has Limited Funding – Ends Soon
Are There Grants For No Benefits Applicants?
At the time of writing most people not in receipt of a benefit are not being accepted for a grant.
This is because the scheme (LA FLEX in which councils allow non benefit applicants to become eligible subject to meeting certain criteria ) is not live yet.
The criteria usually asks for income below £31k and you have one or more heath conditions etc.
The councils are dragging their feet with this scheme with only a handful actually accepting applications.
These seem to be in the West Midlands.
Will There Be Any Roofing Grants In The Future?
Very unlikely to have any roofing grants in the future.
Roofs dont save any carbon so will not be part of any scheme.
Are There Home Improvement Grants For Park Homes ?
We are waiting to hear from the government about grants for park homes.
Are There Home Improvement Grants For Disabled ?
Yes. Disabled people should check out the below sites for details
Disability Grants for Home Improvements & Repairs
Are There Home Improvement Grants For Windows ?
There are currently no grants or help towards the cost of replacement windows or doors either as tboth measures do not save any carbon.
However many private companies do offer scrappage schemes which will discount your doors and windows by a few hundred £ .
This is usually a marketing ploy and you are best advised to shop around to get the most efficient price.
We do find that local companies will give you the most cost efficient quotations for replacement windows or doors.
Does The Home Improvement Grant Need To Be Paid Back In The Future?
Any home improvement grant that is awarded to you does not have to be paid back at any point in the future.
You can rest assured that you will not be invoiced in the future.
Can Landlords Apply For A Home Improvement Grant ?
Landlords are eligible for Free Insulation & Free Central Heating as long as they have a tenant that receives a benefit and they meet the criteria.
See Our Landlords Page HERE
More Useful Reading On Schemes Available 2022
40 Home Improvement Ideas for Those On A Budget
HOME IMPROVEMENT IDEAS
No new storage heaters or insulation for gas properties which is needed to help these people. Instead the govenment are giving 10 to 30 thousand £ worth of measures to off gas homes. What a scandal. I suppose the fatcats will be happy! 😡Im sure all the people who cant put their heating on or afford to cook a meal will be happy that the energy levy they are paying on their bills is being spent wisely!