Help to improve your private housing

Eligible householders may qualify for home insulation and heating improvements through the government's Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme.

ECO is an energy efficiency scheme to help reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty. It is administered by OFGEM (Office of Gas and Electricity Markets). For details, go to OFGEM: Energy Company Obligation (ECO).

We work to get ECO flexible funding for improvements to the homes of eligible Thurrock residents.

1. Great British Insulation Scheme - GBIS

Can provide Installation of loft or cavity wall insulation. If owner occupier you can have heating controls as well.  The works are fully funded.

Eligibility: Owner Occupiers and tenants / landlords.   All those living in homes with an EPC rating D-G and within Council Tax bands A-D.  You may also be eligible if you are on low income or vulnerable

2. ECO4 scheme

The ECO4 scheme focuses on improving the building itself before installing new heating systems. This is called a 'fabric-first approach'. Any home with an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of 'D' or below will have to install loft, roof and exterior-facing cavity wall insulation before making improvements to existing heating systems.

The scheme is for properties that have an EPC rating of D, E, F or G. A permanent resident within the property must be receiving one of either:

• Child tax credit
• Working tax credit
• Pension credit
• Income support
• Employment and support allowance, income-related
• Job seekers allowance, income-related
• Universal credit
• Housing benefit

Or working household total income from all working-age residents must be less than £31,000 per year and the property must be a permanent home to at least one child or person with a health condition.

ECO4 covers a 4-year period until 31 March 2026.

Apply for a grant

To receive an ECO grant, a registered installer will need to survey your home to check you meet all the necessary criteria. They'll check what benefits you receive and confirm whether you're a private tenant or own your own home. You'll also be asked about energy efficiency in your home and possibly details about your EPC.

Please email your details to Wellhomes@thurrock.gov.uk

Previous ECO Flex statements of intent