Secondary Glazing Grants 2026: Government Schemes Explained

by | Sep 26, 2026 | Secondary Glazing Advice

Secondary glazing installed inside a traditional Edinburgh New Town sash window, preserving the original interior and exterior appearance

Funding Your Secondary Glazing: Government Grants & Schemes Explained

If you’re considering secondary glazing for your home, you might be surprised to learn that the government could help pay for it. Several funding schemes exist to help UK homeowners improve energy efficiency—and some specifically cover secondary glazing installations. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available right now and how to check if you qualify.

Warm Homes: Local Grant (2026–2028)

This is the newest and most relevant scheme for secondary glazing right now.

What it covers: Warm Homes: Local Grant explicitly includes double glazing, windows, secondary glazing, and insulation upgrades. It’s funded with £500 million and is designed to help low-income households reduce energy costs.

Who’s eligible:

  • Low-income households (income thresholds set by local councils)
  • Owner-occupiers and some private tenants
  • Properties with EPC ratings D–G
  • Availability varies by local authority area

How much you get: The scheme aims to cover a significant portion of improvement costs, though the exact amount depends on your local council and the property’s needs.

How to apply: Contact your local council to check if the scheme is available in your area and submit an application with property details and quotes from accredited installers.

Sources: Exomart analysis of 2026 government energy schemes; Cucumber Eco guidance on Warm Homes funding (June 2026)

Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) – Ending Soon

Important: ECO4 was originally set to run until March 2026, with some sources indicating a December 31, 2026 closure. If you’re eligible and haven’t applied, time is running out—energy suppliers stopped accepting new applications in early March 2026, though some installations may still be progressing.

What it covered:

  • Secondary glazing (as a draughtproofing measure)
  • Insulation and heating upgrades
  • For homes with EPC ratings D–G

Who was eligible:

  • Low-income households on qualifying benefits
  • Owner-occupiers or private tenants
  • Funded directly by energy suppliers

Why mention it? If a client applied before the closure, they may still have an installation in progress or claims to track. However, for new applications, this scheme is no longer available.

Sources: Ofgem ECO Scheme information; EDF Energy (stopped accepting new ECO4 applications March 2026); Elmhurst Energy (scheme closure guidance, June 2026)

Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) – Closed

This scheme closed to new applications in March 2025, but it’s worth knowing about for context.

HUG2 covered secondary glazing, insulation, heating, and renewable energy upgrades for off-grid properties (those not connected to mains gas). It was funded by DESNZ and delivered through local councils, supporting over 50,000 low-income households before closure.

Sources:  HUG2 Guide; Energy Advice Helpline

Special Considerations for Listed Buildings

If your property is listed or in a conservation area, secondary glazing is your best option—and it’s increasingly supported by government funding.

Why secondary glazing for listed buildings?

Government guidance specifically encourages secondary glazing on listed buildings because:

  • It preserves the original windows and character of the property
  • Listed building consent is typically not required (check with your local conservation officer first)
  • It avoids the strict aesthetic restrictions that prevent full window replacement
  • Heat loss reduction is significant: secondary glazing can reduce heat losses by up to 58% when added to traditional sash windows

Funding options:

  • Warm Homes: Local Grant may cover secondary glazing for eligible listed properties
  • Historic England and the Heritage Lottery Fund occasionally offer grants specifically for listed building improvements—check with your local authority for current schemes
  • VAT relief: Secondary glazing on listed buildings typically qualifies for 0% VAT (rather than the standard 20%), reducing overall cost

Sources: Bath and North East Somerset Council Planning Guidance; Green Reach Energy (Secondary Glazing for Listed Buildings, May 2026); Listed Property Owners’ Club; Historic England

What You Should Do Next

  1. Check your EPC rating. Most schemes target homes rated D–G. You can find this on your property information or request one from an accredited assessor.

  2. Verify your local council’s scheme availability. Warm Homes: Local Grant is delivered locally, so availability depends on your area. Contact your council’s housing or energy efficiency team.

  3. Get your household income assessed. Many schemes have income thresholds. The process is confidential and straightforward.

  4. If listed or in a conservation area, speak to your local conservation officer about secondary glazing planning requirements and ask about heritage grants.

  5. Get quotes from accredited installers. Funding bodies require work to be carried out by registered, qualified professionals to ensure quality and safety.

The Bottom Line

Secondary glazing is an increasingly supported upgrade, particularly for listed and heritage properties. With Warm Homes: Local Grant now running until 2028, funding opportunities exist—but eligibility and availability vary by location and household circumstances. It’s worth exploring; many homeowners are surprised to find they qualify for substantial support.

Have questions about your specific situation? Contact your local council’s energy efficiency or housing team, or contact us to discuss your options. 

Sources