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The Guide: EWI Grants & Funding (2026 Edition)

How to Secure Government Funding for External Wall Insulation (EWI) in 2026?

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Funding Status 2026/2027

Multiple government-backed schemes are currently active to help UK homeowners install External Wall Insulation (EWI) for free or at a significantly reduced cost. The ECO4 scheme focuses on a "whole house" approach for low-income households until March 2026, while the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) offers single-measure support for a wider group including those in lower Council Tax bands. The new Warm Homes: Local Grant (formerly HUG2) provides up to £15,000 for off-gas properties in England from April 2025.

Active Grant Schemes for EWI

A. ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation)

Status: Active until March 31, 2026.

  • Best for: Low-income, vulnerable, or fuel-poor households.
  • What it covers: ECO4 is a "whole-house" retrofit. This means you don't just get EWI; you get a package of measures (e.g., solar, air source heat pumps, and insulation) to raise your EPC rating by at least two bands.
  • Eligibility:
    • Household receives means-tested benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Housing Benefit).
    • Property EPC rating is D, E, F, or G.
    • ECO4 Flex: Local authorities can refer households with an income under £31,000 even if they don't receive benefits.

B. The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)

Status: Active until March 2026.

  • Best for: Homeowners who don't qualify for benefits but live in less energy-efficient homes.
  • What it covers: Unlike ECO4, GBIS focuses on a single insulation measure. It is the most common route for getting a grant for EWI.
  • Eligibility:
    • General Group: Your home has an EPC of D-G AND is in Council Tax band A-D (England) or A-E (Scotland/Wales).
    • Low-Income Group: Same criteria as ECO4.

C. Warm Homes: Local Grant (England only)

Status: Launches April 1, 2025 (Runs for 3 years).

  • Best for: Off-gas grid properties (no mains gas heating).
  • What it covers: Up to £15,000 for energy efficiency upgrades like EWI.
  • Eligibility:
    • Annual household income usually £36,000 or less.
    • EPC rating of D, E, F, or G.
    • Available through 270 participating local authorities.

How Much Can You Save? 

Installing EWI is a major investment, but the financial returns are significant:

  • Grant Coverage: Eligible households can receive 100% of the cost (up to £10,000 - £15,000 depending on the scheme).
  • Bill Savings: A typical semi-detached house can save between £330 and £450 per year on energy bills.
  • Property Value: Homes with an improved EPC rating (e.g., moving from E to C) can see a value increase of 7-14%.

How to Apply: A 3-Step Process 

Check Your EPC: Visit the Find an Energy Certificate website to see your current rating.

Verify Your Council Tax Band: Use the Gov.uk tool to check your band.

Find an Accredited Installer: All grant work must be carried out by TrustMark and PAS 2030/2035 accredited companies.

Note: While EWI RenderStore provides materials, we can recommend PAS-accredited installers in your area who specialize in Ceresit systems.

Summary of 2026/2027 EWI Funding

Scheme Target Group Max Funding Deadline
ECO4 Low-income/vulnerable Full cost (Whole house) March 2026
GBIS EPC D-G / Council Tax A-D Single measure (Partial/Full) March 2026
Warm Homes Off-gas / Low-income Up to £15,000 2028