External wall insulation grants and funding in 2026
The short answer
In October 2026, help with EWI depends on where you live and your income. In England, low-income households can apply for Warm Homes: Local Grant where their council is taking part; the Great British Insulation Scheme has closed and ECO4 ends on 31 December 2026. Scotland offers Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan of up to £7,500 grant plus £2,500 loan for solid wall insulation. Wales has Warm Homes Nest, and Northern Ireland the Affordable Warmth Scheme.
England
Warm Homes: Local Grant funds energy improvements for low-income households in England living in homes rated below EPC band C, delivered through the local authorities taking part. Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund funds social landlords. The Great British Insulation Scheme ended on 31 March 2026, and ECO4 was extended to close on 31 December 2026, with no new targets, so that existing work can be finished and poor-quality work put right. The Warm Homes Plan also notes that solid wall insulation has become less cost-effective for funding because of rising supply costs.
Scotland
Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan offers up to £7,500 grant and £2,500 interest-free loan for solid wall insulation (internal or external), with a £1,500 uplift for rural and island homes. You need a valid EPC recommending the measure, a TrustMark-registered installer, and a written offer before any work starts. Warmer Homes Scotland helps eligible households on qualifying benefits or with specific health needs.
Wales
Warm Homes Nest provides free improvements to low-income owner-occupiers and private tenants. A July 2026 Welsh Government review recommended more funding for Nest. The Green Homes Wales pilot has offered interest-free loans to households above Nest thresholds.
Northern Ireland
The Affordable Warmth Scheme is delivered through councils for the Housing Executive. It supports owner-occupiers and private tenants with household income under £23,000, with grants capped at £7,500, or £10,000 where solid wall insulation is needed. Don't start work until you have written approval.
Funded work and installer rules
Grant schemes use their own approved installers or set requirements such as TrustMark registration and PAS 2030 certification, and most require approval before work starts. Our quotes are for privately funded work unless we confirm in writing that we can carry out a funded job. If you are applying for funding, follow the scheme's own route first; paying privately, you are free to choose your installer.
Avoid cold-call 'free EWI' offers
Be wary of unsolicited calls or doorstep visits offering free external wall insulation. Check any scheme on the official government or council website and never sign on the doorstep.
Related services
Questions people ask
Is there a grant for external wall insulation in England?
For most households, not directly. Low-income households in homes below EPC C may get help through Warm Homes: Local Grant via their council.
Can I get EWI free?
Only if you qualify for a funded scheme. Most homeowners pay privately; VAT is 0% on home insulation until 31 March 2027.
What happens to ECO4?
The government confirmed in January 2026 that ECO4 ends on 31 December 2026. The extra months carry no new targets: they are for finishing existing work and putting right poor-quality installations.