Great British Insulation Scheme: 2026 Norfolk Update

Last reviewed: 20 July 2026. Figures and rules can change – always confirm on the official links.

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) officially ended on 31 March 2026, closing a £1 billion government programme that upgraded 100,900 households across Great Britain. For homeowners in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire, the closure means government-subsidised cavity wall and loft insulation is no longer available through this route — but the need for proper insulation and energy-efficient flooring has not gone away.

What Was the Great British Insulation Scheme?

GBIS was a government obligation scheme targeting the least energy-efficient homes in England, Scotland and Wales. It was available to those living in homes with an Energy Performance Certificate rating of D–G, within Council Tax bands A–D in England. Two eligibility groups existed: a low-income group (similar to the Help to Heat Group in ECO4) and a general eligibility group. Under flexible eligibility, local authorities could also refer households that were low-income, fuel-poor or vulnerable.

Across Great Britain, the scheme delivered upgrades to around 355 households per 100,000. The government’s June 2026 statistical release confirms that local authority-level data — including figures for Norfolk and Suffolk councils — is published in Table 5 of the accompanying tables. The highest delivery rates nationally were in Stoke-on-Trent (2,228 per 100,000 households), West Lindsey (2,183) and Barking and Dagenham (1,673).

Mid-Scheme Changes and Quality Concerns

In spring 2025, following a government consultation, GBIS rules were updated to allow two insulation measures per household under certain circumstances — previously only one was permitted. Around 3,300 households received two primary measures between January 2025 and the scheme’s close. The types of heating control measures were also expanded to include smart thermostats for low-income households.

Separately, in October 2025, the National Audit Office reported on failures with the quality of external and internal wall insulation under government schemes. In response, the UK Government offered affected homes free audits, with TrustMark conducting the inspections. All GBIS installers were required to be TrustMark-accredited — a standard we would encourage any homeowner to look for when commissioning insulation work privately.

What This Means for Homeowners in Our Region

With GBIS now closed, homeowners in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire who missed the scheme or still have poorly insulated floors, walls or lofts will need to fund improvements privately. The good news is that proper floor insulation and preparation remains one of the most effective ways to cut heat loss — particularly when combined with underfloor heating and a high-quality screed system.

We work across the region installing insulation boards, TLA free-flowing insulation and complete floor build-ups designed to meet or exceed current Building Regulations. Whether you are renovating a period property or working on a new-build, getting the insulation layer right before screeding is critical for thermal performance and long-term energy savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still apply for the Great British Insulation Scheme?

No. GBIS closed to new applicants in October 2025 and the scheme officially ended on 31 March 2026. The GOV.UK referral service has now closed. If you had an application in progress, contact your installer or local authority for an update.

What insulation options are available now the scheme has ended?

Homeowners can still invest in floor insulation, loft insulation and cavity wall insulation privately. For floor projects, we install rigid insulation boards and TLA insulation as part of our screed preparation service across Norfolk, Suffolk and the wider East Anglia region. Proper floor insulation paired with liquid screed and underfloor heating delivers excellent thermal performance.

Was GBIS a free insulation scheme?

Not always. GBIS was not a grant scheme. In some cases, households were asked to contribute to the cost of installation, and different companies or installers could provide different levels or types of support. The average cost of delivering the GBIS obligation was £25.30 per £1 of annual bill savings, according to government statistics.

Were Norfolk and Suffolk councils involved in GBIS?

Local authorities across England, including those in Norfolk and Suffolk, could identify and refer eligible households through flexible eligibility — targeting low-income, fuel-poor or vulnerable residents with a combined gross annual household income under £31,000. Specific local authority delivery figures are published in Table 5 of the government’s accompanying statistical tables.

Get Your Insulation and Screed Project Right

Whether government funding is available or not, investing in proper insulation is never wasted money. If you are planning a floor build-up, renovation or new-build project across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex or Hertfordshire, our team can advise on the right insulation and screed specification for your property.

Call us on 01953 488224 or email info@co-dunkall.co.uk for a quote or to discuss your project.

Insulation, Floor Screeding & Underfloor Heating — Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire.