DampHub News, 20th June 2025
The latest government statistics are in — and they show just how far the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) has come. Since its launch in March 2023, the £1 billion scheme has now helped 63,400 households across England, Scotland, and Wales improve their insulation, with a total of 80,600 energy efficiency measures installed.
But behind those numbers lies a bigger story — one that matters for anyone dealing with a cold, draughty, or damp-prone home.
What Is the GBIS and Who Is It For?
GBIS is a government-backed initiative designed to help people reduce heat loss, lower energy bills, and create warmer, healthier homes. The focus is on properties with poor energy performance, especially those in low-income brackets, vulnerable households, and people living in areas known for fuel poverty.
Until recently, only one insulation measure could be installed per home. But following a mid-scheme policy review, eligible households can now receive two different insulation measures — for example, both cavity wall and loft insulation.
This is a big deal for people dealing with chronic condensation or high energy costs, as multiple upgrades offer far better protection.
🏠 What Are the Most Common Upgrades?
Out of the 80,600 measures installed:
- Cavity wall insulation leads with 41% (33,000) of installations
- Loft insulation follows at 28% (22,400)
- Heating controls account for 21% (17,100)
Each of these plays a key role in stopping heat loss and reducing the temperature differences that cause condensation — a common trigger for mould and damp patches.
Where Are the Upgrades Happening?
The scheme’s strongest uptake has been in the North West (16%), followed by the West Midlands (15%) and the North East (12%). These areas are among the coldest and have some of the UK’s highest levels of fuel poverty and condensation risk.
Across the UK:
- Wales leads with the highest rate of upgrades (283 homes per 100,000 households)
- Scotland trails at 147 per 100,000 — suggesting more outreach may be needed
- Local hotspots include West Lindsey, Stoke-on-Trent, and Salford, all with rates above 1,000 per 100,000
👥 Who’s Benefiting the Most?
Nearly 50% of all installations have gone to households in the low-income eligibility group, many of whom were referred by local councils under the Flexible Eligibility scheme. In this system, authorities can identify vulnerable or fuel-poor residents even if they don’t meet strict benefit criteria.
There’s also a focus on innovation measures, which involve modern insulation technologies that go beyond the scheme’s standard offerings. Over 5,900 innovation measures have been installed so far.
What About the Costs?
As of March 2025:
- £225.9 million has been spent on insulation delivery
- £15.3 million on admin and setup
- The average cost comes out to £25.61 per £1 of bill savings, making this one of the more cost-efficient energy support schemes on record
💬 Why This Matters for DampHub Readers
Insulation is one of the most effective ways to damp-proof your home. It keeps walls warm, reduces indoor humidity, and stops condensation from forming on cold surfaces — a key cause of mould and wall staining in British homes.
With the scheme now allowing two measures per household, it’s a real opportunity for homeowners and tenants to make long-term improvements, especially if your property has suffered from persistent damp in winter.
