Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) Flex
In the recent Autumn Budget the UK Government confirmed that the ECO4 scheme will end on March 31st with no subsequent ECO5 replacement. As a result of this, there is very limited funding available through both the ECO4 and GBIS Flex schemes, and many of the approved ECO Providers that deliver the schemes in Ceredigion have no access to funding. The Council fully understands that this news may be disappointing and unsettling, particularly when residents rely on ECO support to improve the warmth, comfort, and energy efficiency of their homes. Please be assured that this situation is not a decision taken by Ceredigion County Council, but the result of uncertainty at a national scheme and regulatory level. The Council is actively engaging with its ECO Providers and closely monitoring updates from Ofgem and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
DESNZ intends to replace ECO4 with the Warm Homes Plan, thus replacing schemes funded through energy bills and ending the supplier obligation. Through this plan, DESNZ is committing additional grant funding which will be directed to upgrading low-income households, benefiting those in fuel poverty. The details of this will be set out in the plan and is due to be published by DESNZ soon. The UK Government remains committed to its Warm Homes Plan which we hope will include working with local authorities.
What is the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)?
GBIS continues ECO4’s focus on reducing fuel poverty and energy bills but aims to deliver rapid installation of energy efficiency measures to a wider pool of households in the least efficient homes. The scheme mainly focuses on the delivery of single measures (rather than whole house retrofits) and includes the various types of insulation such as loft insulation and solid wall insulation. The scheme runs until 31 March 2026.
What is GBIS Flex?
Through the main scheme eligibility criteria, households may be eligible if they receive specific benefits. The flexible eligibility (Flex) element of the scheme is for use by Local Authorities and provides alternative routes to identify eligible households. This allows participating Local Authorities to refer households they consider to be living in fuel poverty or on a low income and vulnerable to the effects of living in a cold home, but who may not qualify for the scheme via the standard eligibility criteria.
Ceredigion County Council is participating in both ECO4 Flex and GBIS Flex and can therefore make a joint referral for both ECO4 Flex and Great British Insulation Scheme Flex, as the eligibility criteria are similar. If a supplier decides to take the referral forward, a retrofit assessor will determine which of the schemes is suitable, and the specific measures that would benefit the property.
The role of the Council
The Council is not responsible for sourcing ECO4/GBIS funding or arranging the installation of any measures. Ceredigion County Council has the responsibility of determining who will qualify for ECO4/GBIS Flex in the County. This will be established based on the information supplied in the application form together with the supporting evidence.
How to Apply
The application process, the eligibility criteria, liabilities, disputes, providers/installers, etc. of GBIS Flex is the same as for ECO4 Flex. Please go to the ECO4 Flex Funding page to read about these and to make an application.