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UK Government Scheme · England

Warm Homes Plan 2026

Government-funded insulation and low-carbon heating for households struggling with energy bills — here's who qualifies and how much is on the table.

Last updated: July 2026 · Reviewed against official gov.uk guidance

What is the Warm Homes Plan?

The Warm Homes Plan is the government's long-term programme to cut energy bills and carbon emissions from UK housing. It brings several funding streams under one banner — the Warm Homes Local Grant (delivered by councils), the Warm Homes Social Housing Fund (delivered by social landlords), and supplier-funded schemes such as ECO4.

Rather than paying you cash, the plan funds physical upgrades: loft and wall insulation, draught-proofing, heating controls, solar panels and heat pumps, installed by accredited contractors.

Who qualifies

Income

Households on means-tested benefits, or with a gross household income broadly under £36,000. Some councils apply their own local flexibility rules.

Property type

Owner-occupied, privately rented (with landlord consent) or social housing. Off-gas-grid and hard-to-treat homes are prioritised.

EPC rating

Homes rated D to G on their Energy Performance Certificate. Properties already rated A–C are generally out of scope.

How much funding is available

MeasureTypical funded value
Loft insulation£400 – £1,200
Cavity wall insulation£600 – £2,000
Solid wall insulation£6,000 – £12,000
Air source heat pump£7,500 (via Boiler Upgrade Scheme)
Solar PV£4,000 – £7,000
Full package cap (per home)Commonly up to £15,000

Indicative values based on published scheme guidance. Your council or installer confirms the exact contribution after a survey.

How to apply

  1. Check your EPC rating on the government's EPC register (free).
  2. Find your local authority's Warm Homes Local Grant page, or contact them directly.
  3. Submit proof of income or benefits and property details.
  4. A retrofit assessor surveys the home and recommends measures.
  5. Accredited installers carry out the work — the grant is paid to them, not to you.
Apply via the official gov.uk energy efficiency service

Frequently asked questions

The Warm Homes Plan is the UK government's programme to upgrade the energy efficiency of homes across England, funding measures such as insulation, solar panels, heat pumps and low-carbon heating for households in or at risk of fuel poverty.

Support is targeted at low-income households — typically those on means-tested benefits or with a household income under roughly £36,000 — living in a property with an EPC rating of D to G. Both owner-occupiers and, through the Local Grant and Social Housing Fund, private and social tenants can be covered.

Funding is delivered per property rather than as a cash payment. Depending on the measures your home needs, packages commonly range from around £5,000 up to £15,000 or more where insulation and low-carbon heating are installed together.

Yes. Private tenants can be supported where the landlord consents to the work, and social housing tenants are covered through the Warm Homes Social Housing Fund awarded to their landlord.

You apply through your local authority or a delivery partner rather than centrally. Start on the gov.uk energy efficiency page, or use the Warm Homes Local Grant checker for your council area. Never pay a fee to apply.

Not sure if you qualify?

Answer a few quick questions and we'll tell you which grants — including free boiler funding — you may qualify for.

Check My Eligibility