Cavity wall insulation grants in 2026: what is still open
In October 2026, ECO4 is still open in Great Britain until 31 December 2026, the Great British Insulation Scheme has closed, and England's low-income support runs through Warm Homes: Local Grant and the Warm Homes Plan. Wales has Warm Homes Nest, Scotland has Home Energy Scotland, and Northern Ireland has the Affordable Warmth Scheme.
England
ECO4 was extended by nine months to 31 December 2026, and government has said there will be no successor supplier obligation; instead it is putting additional grant funding for low-income homes into the Warm Homes Plan. The Great British Insulation Scheme ended as planned on 31 March 2026. Warm Homes: Local Grant supports low-income households through councils, and government intends to merge low-income schemes into a single scheme from 2027/28.
Wales
Warm Homes Nest offers free home energy improvements, including insulation, to eligible low-income owner-occupiers and private renters. Green Homes Wales has been piloting interest-free loans for households above the Nest and ECO4 thresholds.
Scotland
Home Energy Scotland is the route to the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan and to Warmer Homes Scotland; councils also run area-based schemes.
Northern Ireland
The Affordable Warmth Scheme helps owner-occupiers and private tenants with a total gross household income under £23,000, starting with a call to the NI Energy Advice Service. ECO does not apply in Northern Ireland.
A word on cold calls
If someone calls offering free insulation, check before agreeing to anything, do not give bank or benefit details on the doorstep, and verify the company through the official scheme pages. We do not cold-call.
Related services
Sources: GOV.UK: extending the ECO4 end date, government response; GOV.UK: Warm Homes Plan; Welsh Government: warmer and more energy efficient homes (July 2026); mygov.scot: grants and loans for energy saving improvements; NI Housing Executive: Affordable Warmth Scheme.