Free Insulation & Energy Grants in Leicester
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Leicester has over 140,000 households (ONS Census 2021) and is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in England. The city has significant fuel poverty challenges, with many older terraced properties in inner-city wards rated EPC Band D or below. Leicester City Council actively participates in ECO4 Flex and runs the Warmer Homes Greener Homes scheme — and three major government grants are currently open.
Leicester is the largest city in the East Midlands with a population of 368,000. The city has significant areas of deprivation, particularly in inner-city wards. Leicester declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has committed to becoming carbon neutral. The council's Warmer Homes Greener Homes scheme provides additional support beyond national grant programmes.
Leicester's housing stock includes extensive Victorian and Edwardian terraces in areas like Belgrave, Highfields, and Evington, alongside post-war council estates in Beaumont Leys and New Parks. Many of the older terraced properties have solid brick walls and poor insulation, making them strong candidates for ECO4-funded improvements. The city also has significant numbers of inter-war semi-detached houses in outer suburbs.
Similar government-funded energy grants are available in nearby areas including Nottingham, Derby and Coventry. Each council sets its own eligibility criteria, so it's worth checking the specific rules for your area.
Available grants in Leicester
Warm Homes Local Grant
Up to £30,000Council-administered grant providing up to £15,000 for insulation and £15,000 for heating upgrades. Availability depends on your local council.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Up to £7,500Get up to £7,500 towards an air source or ground source heat pump, £2,500 for an air-to-air heat pump, or £5,000 for a biomass boiler. Available to homeowners replacing fossil fuel or electric heating.
ECO4 Insulation Grants
Varies by propertyFree cavity wall, loft, and solid wall insulation for qualifying households. Available if you receive benefits or have a low income.
Compare all UK energy grants side by side on our grant comparison page.
Could you get these grants in Leicester?
Free 2-minute eligibility check — no obligation, no personal details needed
Check Your EligibilityLeicester City Council runs the Warmer Homes Greener Homes scheme, which assists homeowners with long-term health conditions and low incomes to replace broken or faulty gas boilers. The council also actively participates in ECO4 Flex and the Great British Insulation Scheme, assessing household eligibility and providing declarations to approved installers.
Who qualifies in Leicester?
You may qualify for free energy efficiency improvements if you:
- Receive benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support
- Have a household income of £36,000 or less (Warm Homes Local Grant) or £31,000 (ECO4 LA Flex — varies by council)
- Live in a property with a poor EPC rating (D, E, F, or G)
- Are a homeowner, private tenant, or social housing tenant (tenants need landlord/housing provider consent)
Leicester City Council — ECO4 LA Flex Eligibility
Under ECO4 Local Authority Flexibility, Leicester City Council can refer households that don't receive qualifying benefits but meet local criteria:
- Live in a fuel-poor area (Index of Multiple Deprivation LSOA deciles 1-3)
- Have a health condition made worse by cold housing (cardiovascular, respiratory, immunosuppressed, limited mobility)
- Have been identified by a GP as low-income and vulnerable to cold
- Receive Council Tax Reduction on grounds of low income
- Have a child eligible for free school meals due to low income
- Supported by the Warmer Homes Greener Homes scheme
- Referred by energy supplier or Citizens Advice as struggling to pay energy bills
Source: Leicester City Council ECO4 Statement of Intent · Last checked 2026-02-17
Areas we cover in Leicester
Free insulation and energy grants are available to eligible residents across Leicester, including:
Belgrave
Highfields
Evington
Beaumont Leys
New Parks
Braunstone
St Matthews
Spinney Hills
Eyres Monsell
Aylestone
Knighton
Humberstone
Grants for tenants in Leicester
Leicester tenants can access free energy grants. Private renters may qualify for ECO4 insulation grants or the Warm Homes Local Grant — your landlord must consent. Social housing tenants in areas like Beaumont Leys and St Matthews should contact their housing provider. Leicester City Council's energy team assesses ECO Flex eligibility for all household types.
What happens after you're approved in Leicester?
A qualified assessor visits your home (1–2 hours) to check your walls, loft, windows, and heating system.
Within 1–2 weeks, you receive a report detailing which improvements qualify for funding and your estimated energy savings.
Approved installers carry out the work free of charge. Cavity wall insulation typically takes 2–4 hours, loft insulation is usually done within a day, external wall insulation takes 1–2 weeks for a semi-detached house, and internal wall insulation takes 3–5 working days.
After installation, your property gets a new EPC certificate showing the improved energy rating.
Frequently asked questions — Leicester
What energy grants are available in Leicester?
Leicester residents can access the Warm Homes Local Grant (up to £30,000), Boiler Upgrade Scheme (£7,500 for heat pumps), and ECO4 insulation grants. Leicester City Council also runs the Warmer Homes Greener Homes scheme for boiler replacements.
Does Leicester City Council have its own energy scheme?
Yes, Leicester runs the Warmer Homes Greener Homes scheme, which helps homeowners with long-term health conditions and low incomes to replace broken or faulty gas boilers. This is in addition to national grants like ECO4 and the Warm Homes Local Grant.
Can Leicester's Victorian terraces get insulation grants?
Yes, Leicester's Victorian and Edwardian terraces in areas like Belgrave, Highfields, and Evington are strong candidates for solid wall insulation grants. Internal wall insulation can be installed without changing the exterior, with grants of up to £15,000 available through ECO4 or the Warm Homes Local Grant.
How do I apply for ECO4 Flex in Leicester?
You cannot apply directly to Leicester City Council. Choose a TrustMark-registered installer who will submit an application on your behalf. The council then assesses your eligibility based on their Statement of Intent criteria and provides a declaration to the installer.
Can Leicester tenants get free insulation grants?
Yes, private and social housing tenants in Leicester can qualify for free insulation through ECO4 or the Warm Homes Local Grant. Private tenants need landlord consent. Social housing tenants should contact their housing provider about available energy efficiency programmes.
What areas of Leicester have the most fuel poverty?
Inner-city wards including St Matthews, Spinney Hills, Highfields, Belgrave, and New Parks tend to have higher fuel poverty rates due to older housing stock and lower incomes. However, grants are available city-wide — eligibility depends on income, benefits, and property type.
Is the ECO4 scheme available in Leicester?
Yes, ECO4 is fully available across Leicester. It provides free cavity wall, loft, and solid wall insulation for eligible households. The scheme has been extended to 31 December 2026 — apply while funding is available.
What is the income threshold for ECO4 Flex in Leicester?
Leicester City Council uses a gross annual household income threshold of £31,000 for ECO4 Flex Route 1. If your income is above this, you may still qualify through other routes such as health conditions, Council Tax Reduction, or living in a deprived area.
Further reading
Energy grants in nearby areas
Check what grants are available in other locations near Leicester.
Check your eligibility in Leicester
Find out in 2 minutes which grants you qualify for — completely free, no obligation.
Check Your EligibilityFor official council information, visit Leicester City Council .
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