What the Warm Homes Plan is

The Warm Homes Plan was published by the UK government on 21 January 2026. It sets out how the government wants to cut energy bills and upgrade ageing homes. The government corrected it on 18 March 2026.

The plan says the government will invest £15 billion over this Parliament. It aims to upgrade up to 5 million homes by 2030. These are goals, so they do not tell you what you will get.

This page is independent information, because we are not a government service, lender or installer. The official bodies decide who qualifies.

Who it is for

The plan is a UK Government plan. Its low-income grants run through the Warm Homes: Local Grant in England and the Social Housing Fund, and the other nations run their own schemes. See our guides to solar funding routes in Scotland and solar funding routes in Wales if you live there.

For low-income and fuel-poor households, the plan puts around £5 billion into support to 2030. That includes £4.4 billion in direct grants. The main aim is rooftop solar alongside insulation, clean heating and home batteries.

However, for everyone else the plan points to loans and cheaper finance. It says homeowners across Great Britain should be able to benefit from low-cost finance. It also mentions green mortgages. Our page on solar funding routes in England shows which routes fit which homes.

What it can pay for

The plan says upgrades for fuel-poor homes will focus on rooftop solar, insulation, clean heat and batteries. Specifically, a government press release said low-income households could get support that covers the full cost of solar panels. The word is “could”. Nothing is guaranteed for any home.

The plan also describes a planned loan. For example, it says a no-interest or low-interest consumer loan will support solar alongside batteries and heat pumps. The plan sets aside up to £1.7 billion for these loans. The government says it will work with the devolved administrations, mayoral authorities and others on how to deliver this.

Batteries have their own rule in the current England grant. Batteries can only be fitted where they go with new or existing solar panels. Read our guide to solar battery funding in the UK for the wider picture.

Current status

As of 10 October 2026, the plan itself is published. Meanwhile, the grant side runs through the existing Warm Homes: Local Grant. You can read how it works on our Warm Homes: Local Grant page.

The loan is only planned. The government said it would set out eligibility details later in 2026, and as of October 2026 we found none. We found no launch date, lender list or application route. Treat the loan as not open until GOV.UK says otherwise.

The plan also says ECO will end, so timing matters. Our page on ECO4 and solar panels explains the dates. For loans in general, see solar loans and finance.

How to apply or take the next step

For help now, start with the official Warm Homes: Local Grant service on GOV.UK. It asks about your home, your income or benefits, and your postcode. While funding depends on your council, it contacts you to arrange a survey if it has money.

Apply only on GOV.UK, because scammers copy official names. Do not pay anyone to apply for you. A caller who says they are from the “Warm Homes Plan” and asks for money first is a warning sign.

If you want to compare installer prices, you can request quotes on our quotes page. That step is optional and separate from any grant.

What to check before you agree to anything

Many people get cold calls that mention new government schemes. Therefore, before you sign, check the points below. They keep you safe whichever route you choose.

  • Ask who is paying and what you must pay yourself.
  • Check the installer is certified by MCS and, where it applies, registered with TrustMark.
  • Get the offer in writing and take time to read it.
  • Never pay a deposit for a grant that you cannot find on GOV.UK.

The government has asked for views on stronger consumer protection for home upgrade schemes. That is a proposal, and we found nothing showing it is in force. Our solar finance checklist lists more checks.

FAQ / QUICK ANSWERS

Common questions

Can I get free solar panels under the Warm Homes Plan?
The plan says low-income households could get support that covers the full cost of rooftop solar. That is a stated aim, not a promise to you. Today the route that exists is the Warm Homes: Local Grant, and your council decides what it can fund.
Is the Warm Homes Plan solar loan open yet?
As of 10 October 2026 we found no launch date, lender list or application route on GOV.UK. The plan aims the loans at homeowners across Great Britain, but eligibility details are not yet published. Check GOV.UK before you rely on it.
Does the Warm Homes Plan apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?
The plan is a UK Government plan. The plan aims the planned loans at homeowners across Great Britain, with details still to come. Each nation runs its grants and advice differently, so each nation page on this site lists what applies there.
How do I apply for Warm Homes help today?
In England, use the official Warm Homes: Local Grant service on GOV.UK. Apply only on GOV.UK. Your council contacts you if it has funding for your home.