Anyone living in council tax band A to D could be entitled to free £400

The Great British Insulation scheme will provide support to those on the lowest incomes and extend support to a wider range of households compared to other existing government-funded schemes

UK families could see a £400 slash in their annual energy bills thanks to the new Great British Insulation scheme. Those living in homes with lower Council Tax bands and needing efficiency makeovers stand to benefit, with entitlements to crucial enhancements like roof, loft, or cavity wall insulation potentially knocking an average of £300 to £400 off their yearly expenses.

The scheme marks a substantial extension of aid for the financially strapped and broadens the reach beyond previous government-funded initiatives. It's another stride in the nations push toward home energy efficiencya leap from a mere 14% of homes boasting an EPC rating of C or higher in 2010 to a robust 47% in 2022.

Complementing the ongoing Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme that dishes out free energy efficiency upgrades such as insulation, heat pumps, and solar panels to low-income households, the Great British Insulation scheme is set to further insulate Brits against both fuel poverty and climate change.

Mike Thornton, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust, stressed the importance, stating: "Improving the energy efficiency of our homes is a vital part of addressing both the energy crisis and climate emergency."

"By reducing demand for fossil fuels it provides a triple win long-term solution for cutting energy bills, decreasing carbon emissions and improving energy security.

The launch of the Great British Insulation Scheme is therefore a welcome development as it will mean more households are eligible for financial support for insulation measures and comes at a crucial time as we approach the colder winter months."

Support may be available for installing various types of insulation, including solid floor, flat or pitched roof, cavity wall, and solid wall (either internal or external).

Assistance might also extend to loft insulation, park home insulation, or underfloor insulation, reports Birmingham Live. For eligibility details and information on the range of home improvement services offered, visit the online portal at GOV. UK.

It comes as UK households grappling with the cost of essentials this winter are set to receive living cost payments of up to £250. This financial aid is part of the government's Household Support Fund, which is allocated to local councils nationwide by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The fund, worth a substantial £421million, is designed to assist families and vulnerable individuals in covering costs such as energy bills, food, and other essential items during the colder months.

Each local council independently determines how to distribute their share of the fund, meaning eligibility criteria may vary depending on your location. For instance, Leicestershire households have been able to apply for support of up to £300 per household in voucher form to help cover gas, electricity, and food costs.