The biting winds of winter are just around the corner, and what better way to prepare than by ensuring your home is snug and warm? The Great British Insulation Scheme is the key to a cosier living space, and here's a little-known secret: your council tax band could be the ticket to unlocking the benefits of this fantastic initiative.
The Great British Insulation Scheme is a new government energy efficiency scheme (formerly known as ECO+) that will be administered by Ofgem. It is designed to deliver improvements to the least energy-efficient homes in Great Britain to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce energy bills.
The scheme complements the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme, yet unlike ECO4’s ‘whole house’ approach, this scheme will mostly deliver single insulation measures.
As well as supporting low-income and vulnerable households, it will also be available to those living in homes with an Energy Performance Certificate rating of D-G, and within Council Tax bands A-D in England and A-E in Scotland and Wales.
Understanding Council Tax Bands: In the UK, council tax bands are determined based on the value of your property. The bands range from A to H, with A being the lowest and H the highest. Your property's value, which is assessed by the local council, places it into one of these bands, and your council tax is calculated accordingly. If you don't know your council tax band, you can check here
Qualifying Measures: The scheme supports a variety of insulation measures, including loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, boiler upgrades, renewable energy systems and more. By implementing these improvements, you not only make your home warmer and more comfortable but may also trigger a reassessment of your property's value, potentially leading to a lower council tax band. You can check your eligibility here
Simple Steps to Cosier Living: If the idea of a warmer home and reduced bills appeals to you, the process is relatively straightforward. Start by exploring the insulation measures supported by the scheme, and consult with Direct Savings to implement these changes. Once your home is upgraded, contact your local council to reassess your property's value and potentially benefit from a lower council tax band.
By making your home more energy-efficient, not only do you create a cosier living space, but you may also find yourself enjoying the perks of a reduced council tax bill. It's a win-win scenario that not only warms your home but also lightens the burden on your wallet. So, why not let your council tax band be the key to a warmer, more cost-effective winter?