ECO4, the Great British Insulation Scheme, and local council grants can significantly reduce the cost of insulated rendering. Here's what's available and who qualifies.
Insulated rendering — External Wall Insulation, or EWI — is one of the most effective upgrades you can make to an older Lancashire home. It improves warmth, reduces energy bills, and protects the structure from weathering. It is also one of the more expensive options. That's why government grant schemes that can significantly reduce or even eliminate the cost are worth understanding.
The Main Schemes in 2025
ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation 4)
ECO4 is the primary government scheme for home insulation in the UK. It requires large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency measures for households in fuel poverty or on certain qualifying benefits.
**Who qualifies for ECO4?**
You may qualify if you receive any of the following: - Universal Credit - Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance - Income-related Employment and Support Allowance - Income Support - Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit element) - Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit (with income below £31,000) - Housing Benefit
Your property must also have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G to be eligible.
**What ECO4 pays for**
Under ECO4, external wall insulation can be funded in full for qualifying households. There is no cap on the value of the measure — the full cost of the EWI installation can be covered.
**How to access ECO4**
ECO4 is accessed through energy suppliers or through Ofgem-registered installers. We can advise on referral routes for Lancashire homeowners.
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
The Great British Insulation Scheme is a separate programme targeting properties with EPC ratings of D or below. Unlike ECO4, it is not limited to benefit recipients — it also has an income-based route for households earning under approximately £36,000.
GBIS funding is typically partial rather than full — it contributes to the cost but does not always cover it entirely. The exact contribution depends on the property and the measure.
Lancashire Council Support
Lancashire County Council and several district councils within Lancashire periodically run additional funding schemes for home insulation, often in partnership with ECO4 or through Warm Homes Local Authority Delivery funding. These schemes vary and are not always open — but it's worth checking with your local council (Burnley Borough Council, Pendle Borough Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, etc.) at the time of enquiry.
What EWI Actually Costs Without Grants
To put the grant opportunity in context:
- A typical 3-bedroom semi-detached in east Lancashire has approximately 120 m² of external wall - At current rates of £75–£100 per m² for a 90mm EWI system, that's £9,000–£12,000 - For a qualifying ECO4 household, this could be fully funded
Even under GBIS partial funding, a contribution of £3,000–£6,000 significantly changes the payback calculation.
The Energy Savings
The energy saving from EWI depends on the existing wall construction and insulation levels, but for typical solid-walled Lancashire properties:
- Annual heating bill reduction: £350–£600 per year at current energy prices - EPC rating improvement: typically 1–2 bands - Payback period at full cost: 15–25 years; at grant-funded cost: often under 10 years
Is the House Eligible?
EWI is suitable for the vast majority of Lancashire residential properties, including:
- Solid-walled Victorian and Edwardian terraces (most of Burnley, Nelson, Accrington, Clitheroe) - 1930s–1970s cavity-walled properties where cavity fill isn't suitable - Properties with existing rendering that needs replacing
The main exclusions are listed buildings and properties where the external appearance is protected — these are relatively uncommon in east Lancashire's housing stock.
Next Steps
If you think you or your property might qualify for a grant, the first step is a survey. We assess the property, confirm eligibility, and advise on the appropriate referral route.
Call 07900 926987 or fill in our contact form and we'll walk you through what's available.
Cooke Rendering & Construction
Lancashire's trusted rendering and construction specialists since 2005. Based in Barrowford and serving Burnley, Skipton, Preston, and all of east Lancashire.
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