ECO4 Cancelled: What Homeowners Need to Know & What Happens Next

The government has officially ended ECO4, and many people are confused about what to do next.

For years, ECO4 helped many households get free insulation, heating upgrades, and other energy-saving work.

This guide explains everything in the simplest way possible.
Clear information on what has changed, what support still exists, and what steps you should take now.

ECO4 Scheme Cancelled? What did the Government announce?

• The government has stopped the ECO4 scheme. This means people can no longer apply for funding through the Old National ECO system.
• This change was made in the Autumn Budget. The government decided to stop giving ECO money directly to big Energy Companies.
• Instead, this money will now go to local councils, who will choose which homes need help the most.
• For homeowners, this means the process has changed. The help is still there, but you must now apply differently.

What Replaces ECO4? Introduction to the Warm Homes Plan

• After ECO4 Scheme cancelled, the new program is called the Warm Homes Plan.
  This is now the main way the government helps low-income households improve their homes.
• The biggest change is simple:
  Instead of applying through the National websites, you now apply through your local council.
• The idea is that councils know their area better and can decide who needs help the most.
• Every council will manage its own version of the scheme, so support will look slightly different depending on where you live.

How the Warm Homes Plan Works

The government gives money to each council.
The councils then decide how to spend it on home energy upgrades.

They will check:

• Who needs help
• What type of home improvements are needed
• How much funding each home can receive

This means your neighbour’s council (in another area) might offer slightly different help from yours.

This local approach is new for many people, but the upgrades offered are still similar to ECO4.

What This Means for Homeowners (Costs, Eligibility & Access)

The purpose of the support hasn’t changed:
It still aims to help people reduce bills and make homes warmer.

But the way you apply and the amount you receive can now differ from council to council.

Let’s break it down:

Costs: Are Upgrades Still Free?

Most councils still offer fully funded work for eligible low-income households.
That means insulation or heating upgrades may still cost you nothing.

However, some councils may only cover part of the cost.
If the work is more expensive than the council allows, you may need to add a small amount yourself.

Always ask your council what their maximum funding limit is.

Eligibility: Who Can Get Help Now?

Each council sets its own rules, but most follow similar guidelines.

You may qualify if:

• You are on a low income
• You receive certain benefits
• Your home has a low EPC rating (usually D or below)

The rules are not exactly the same everywhere, so you must check your local council’s website.

Access: How You Apply Now

The old ECO4 national application system no longer exists.

Now, you must go through your local council to apply.
They will tell you:

• Which scheme you fall under
• What paperwork you need
• What upgrades are available
• Whether you qualify for full or partial funding

It is a simple process, but different for every area.

Understanding Councils’ New Role

Councils are now the “Gatekeepers” of home Energy funding.
They decide who gets help, what work is approved, and how the money is spent.

This change gives councils more control, but it also means funding might run out faster in some areas.

That’s why applying early is very important for council energy efficiency grants.

Councils also work closely with trusted installers to carry out the upgrades.

What Support Is Still Available After ECO4?

Even though ECO4 has ended, several good grant options still exist.

Let’s look at the two main ones:

Warm Homes Plan (Council Grants)

This is the direct Replacement for ECO4.
It offers help with:

• Loft insulation
• Cavity wall insulation
• Underfloor insulation
• Some heating upgrades
• Some boiler replacements
• Heat pump installation

The exact upgrades offered will depend on your council.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

This scheme is still running and not affected by the ECO4 cancellation.
It helps homeowners install low-carbon heating systems.

You can get:

• £7,500 toward an air-source or ground-source heat pump
• £5,000 toward a biomass boiler

This scheme does not require you to be on a low income.

 Many homeowners qualify even if they never qualified for ECO4.

How to Check If You Still Qualify for Funding

The easiest place to start is your local council’s website.
They will show all available grants in your area.

But it can get confusing because:

• Each council has different rules
• Some funding is limited
• Some upgrades are not offered everywhere
• Paperwork can be difficult for many people

Because of this, many homeowners prefer getting help from experts who handle the process for them.

How We Help You Understand the New Funding System

Many people feel lost after the ECO4 cancellation.
Our job is to make everything simple.

Here’s how we help:

We check your grant eligibility for you

We look at all available funding in your area and tell you exactly what you qualify for.

We guide you through the council application

We explain the steps clearly and help you avoid mistakes.

We advise you on costs and what will be covered

We tell you if the work will be fully paid for, partly paid for, or capped by your council.

We help you choose the right upgrades

We recommend what will save you the most money.

We offer a free home energy check

This helps you understand your home’s needs before applying.

In short, we make everything easy so you don’t miss out.

What Homeowners Should Do Now (Step-by-Step Guide)

Here is the simplest way to move forward:

Final Thoughts – ECO4 Is Gone, but Support Still Exists

Even though ECO4 has ended, you still have good options.
The Warm Homes Plan and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can still help you upgrade your home and reduce energy bills.

The main thing to remember is that the process is now handled locally by councils.
So you must check what is available in your area.

If you feel unsure or overwhelmed, you’re not alone — many homeowners feel the same.
That’s why we’re here to guide you through the new system and help you find the support you still qualify for.

FAQs