Warm Homes Plan 2026: What It Means for Leeds and West Yorkshire Homeowners

What is the Warm Homes Plan?

The Warm Homes Plan is the government's flagship programme to improve home energy efficiency across England. Announced with a £15 billion commitment, the plan aims to upgrade 5 million homes by 2030 — making them warmer, cheaper to heat, and lower carbon.

For homeowners in Leeds and West Yorkshire, this represents the biggest opportunity in a generation to get help with insulation, heating upgrades, and other energy efficiency measures.

The new Warm Homes Agency

A key part of the plan is the creation of the Warm Homes Agency — a new public body that will oversee delivery of home energy upgrades nationwide. The agency brings together the various existing schemes (which have been confusing to navigate) under one roof.

The Warm Homes Agency will be responsible for:

**Coordinating funding** across different government programmes

**Setting standards** for retrofit work and installer accreditation

**Providing a single point of contact** for homeowners seeking support

**Working with local authorities** like Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to target areas of greatest need

This is good news for homeowners who have found the current system hard to navigate. Instead of trying to work out which scheme you qualify for, the agency should make it clearer what help is available to you.

Warm Homes: Local Grant

The Warm Homes: Local Grant is the main delivery mechanism for getting upgrades into homes. It replaces and builds on earlier schemes like the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), with a broader scope and larger budget.

How it works

Local authorities will receive funding to distribute grants to eligible homeowners in their area. Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority are expected to be key delivery partners.

When can you apply?

The application portal for the Warm Homes: Local Grant is expected to open in spring 2026. The government has been running pilot programmes through 2025 and early 2026 to test delivery models before the full rollout.

What measures are covered?

The grant is expected to fund a wide range of energy efficiency improvements, including:

Loft insulation — topping up to current standards (300mm)

Cavity wall insulation — for properties with unfilled cavities

Solid wall insulation — internal or external, particularly important for older stone-built homes common across West Yorkshire

Underfloor insulation — for properties with suspended timber floors

Heat pump installation — air source and ground source

Solar panels and battery storage — to reduce electricity costs

Draught-proofing and ventilation — including mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)

Smart heating controls — to help manage energy use more effectively

Who is eligible?

Full eligibility criteria are still being confirmed, but the scheme is expected to prioritise:

Lower-income households — those on means-tested benefits or with household incomes below a set threshold

Fuel-poor homes — where a significant proportion of income goes on energy

Properties with poor energy ratings — EPC D or below

Off-gas-grid properties — homes not connected to mains gas, which are common in parts of rural West Yorkshire

There is also expected to be a wider eligibility route for homeowners who do not meet the low-income criteria but live in poorly performing homes. This would likely involve a contribution toward the cost rather than full funding.

How does it relate to ECO4 and GBIS?

The Warm Homes Plan is designed to replace and expand on existing schemes:

**ECO4** runs until December 2026 and continues alongside the new programme during the transition period

**GBIS** is being absorbed into the Warm Homes: Local Grant

**The Boiler Upgrade Scheme** (£7,500 toward heat pumps) continues as a separate programme

If you currently qualify for ECO4, you should still apply — do not wait for the new scheme, as ECO4 funding is running low.

What should West Yorkshire homeowners do now?

1. Check your current EPC

Find your property on the EPC register to see your current rating and the recommended improvements. This gives you a clear picture of what work would benefit your home most.

2. Apply for ECO4 if you are eligible

If you receive qualifying benefits or your local council has confirmed you are eligible through the flex route, apply for ECO4 now. Funding is limited and operating on a first-come, first-served basis.

3. Get quotes for priority work

Even if you plan to apply for the Warm Homes: Local Grant when it opens, it is worth getting quotes now so you are ready to move quickly. Demand for installers is expected to be high once the scheme launches.

4. Register your interest with Leeds City Council

Contact Leeds City Council's housing team or the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to register your interest in the Warm Homes: Local Grant. This may help you get early access when applications open.

5. Insulate first

Whatever funding route you use, insulation should be your first priority. A well-insulated home needs less heating, which means lower bills and a smaller, cheaper heating system when you do upgrade.

Where to find more information

GOV.UK — search for "Warm Homes Plan" for the latest official updates

Leeds City Council — check the housing and energy pages for local scheme details

West Yorkshire Combined Authority — provides information on regional energy efficiency programmes

Browse our directory to find trusted installers in your area who can help with EPC assessments and retrofit work