If you have searched for a “free boiler grant” or insulation support, you have probably seen the ECO4 scheme mentioned. It is winding down, and the way support is funded is changing. Here is a plain summary.
What ECO4 was
The Energy Company Obligation required energy suppliers to fund insulation and heating upgrades for lower-income and vulnerable households. It was paid for through energy bills and delivered by approved installers. The Great British Insulation Scheme, a related programme, has closed.
What is happening now
Government has confirmed there will be no ECO5. Sources report different closing dates for ECO4, with some pointing to March 2026 and others to the end of 2026, so check the Ofgem page for the date that applies to new applications. If you think you qualify, apply as early as you can rather than waiting.
The Warm Homes Plan
The Warm Homes Plan, published in January 2026, replaces bill-funded support with money from general taxation. Two parts matter most for households:
- Warm Homes: Local Grant. Delivered by local councils in England for low-income households in private housing, covering insulation and, in some cases, low-carbon heating.
- Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund. For social landlords improving their properties, so tenants usually deal with the landlord rather than applying themselves.
The older Home Upgrade Grant ended in March 2025. Wales and Scotland run their own schemes, so use your nation’s official advice service.
Who usually qualifies
Support is aimed at households on certain benefits or with low incomes, living in homes with a poor energy rating (often EPC band D to G). Some councils also use flexible eligibility rules for people with health conditions made worse by cold homes. Rules vary by scheme and by council.
How to avoid scams
- Be wary of cold calls, texts or doorstep visits offering “free boilers” or “government-approved” work.
- Use only your local council, GOV.UK or an installer registered with the scheme.
- Never pay an upfront fee to “secure” a grant, and do not sign anything you have not read.
What to do next
- Contact your local council and ask about the Warm Homes: Local Grant.
- Check the Ofgem ECO page to see whether new applications are still being accepted.
- If you own your home and do not qualify for means-tested help, look at the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
What you can ask your council
When you contact your council about the Warm Homes: Local Grant, it helps to have details ready: your address, EPC rating if known, household income or benefits, whether you own or rent, and the type of heating you use. Ask whether the council runs a flexible eligibility route for people with health conditions affected by cold or damp, and how long applications currently take.
If you are a tenant
Tenants in the private rented sector can often ask their landlord to apply for funding. Social housing tenants should contact their landlord, since social landlords are the ones who receive money through the Social Housing Fund. Landlords also face rules on minimum energy performance, which can encourage them to apply.
Cheaper steps while you wait
- Draught-proof doors, windows and letterboxes.
- Bleed radiators and use thermostatic radiator valves.
- Check that loft insulation is thick enough, since topping it up is a low-cost job.
- Ask your energy supplier about the Priority Services Register if someone in your home is vulnerable.
- Check whether you are eligible for other bill support, such as the Warm Home Discount.
More questions
Is there still a free boiler scheme? Not a universal one. Help is targeted at low-income households and run through councils and approved installers, and it is changing as ECO4 ends.
Where is the official information? Use GOV.UK, Ofgem and your local council. They do not charge to check eligibility.