Grant rules checked against Ofgem on 15 October 2026
Other heat pump grants and funding in the North West
Published and last updated 15 October 2026
Besides the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme, low-income households in the North West may get a fully funded heat pump through the Warm Homes: Local Grant, and every installation benefits from 0% VAT until 31 March 2027. You can't use two government grants for the same heat pump, so the right route depends on your income and your home.
| Scheme | What it covers | Who it's for | Key dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme | £7,500 off a heat pump (£9,000 off-gas) | Any eligible property owner, no income test | Open; £9,000 rate until 31 Mar 2027 |
| Warm Homes: Local Grant (Greater Manchester) | Up to £15,000 for low-carbon heating plus up to £15,000 for insulation for owner-occupiers | Low-income households in EPC D–G homes | Run by GMCA; apply via the GMCA Retrofit Portal |
| Warm Homes: Local Grant (Lancashire) | Air source heat pumps, insulation and solar panels | Low-income households in EPC D–G homes | Confirm the scheme is currently open |
| Warm Homes: Local Grant (Merseyside and Liverpool City Region) | Energy upgrades, subject to council survey | Low-income households in EPC D–G homes | Liverpool year two oversubscribed; register for year three from 1 Apr 2027 |
| Warm Homes: Local Grant (Cheshire and Warrington) | Air source heat pumps, insulation and solar panels | Eligible low-income households in EPC D–G homes | Expected until 31 Mar 2028 |
| Warm Homes: Local Grant (Cumbria) | Insulation and heating upgrades; ask the council about heat pumps | Eligible households in EPC D–G homes | Until Mar 2028; Cumberland form temporarily unavailable |
| ECO4 | Insulation and heating upgrades via energy suppliers | Low-income and vulnerable households | Closes 31 Dec 2026 |
| 0% VAT | No VAT on heat pump installation | Everyone | Until 31 Mar 2027 |
What is the Warm Homes: Local Grant?
It's a government-funded scheme run by councils that pays for insulation and low-carbon heating, including heat pumps, for low-income households.
In Greater Manchester, owner-occupiers and a private landlord's first property can get 100% of costs up to £15,000 for energy performance and up to £15,000 for low-carbon heating; homes must be EPC D to G (owner-occupied); income routes include a qualifying postcode, a means-tested benefit, or household income below £36,000.
Apply via gmca.retrofitportal.org.uk.
Other North West councils (Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire, Cumbria) run their own versions, so check with your council.
What's happening to ECO4?
ECO4 closes on 31 December 2026 and there's no ECO5; from 2027 support moves to the Warm Homes Plan and council-run schemes.
Can you combine the Boiler Upgrade Scheme with other grants?
Not for the same heat pump: properties that have already received government or ECO funding for the heat pump can't also get the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.
You can use a different scheme for insulation and BUS for the heat pump.
Which route should you choose?
If your household is on a low income, check the Warm Homes: Local Grant first because it can cover the full cost; otherwise the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is the quickest route.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a free heat pump?
Some low-income households can through the Warm Homes: Local Grant; most homeowners pay the balance after the £7,500 grant.
Is there a heat pump grant in Scotland?
Home Energy Scotland runs its own grants and loans.
Do I need an EPC for the Warm Homes: Local Grant?
Yes, eligibility in Greater Manchester is based on the home's EPC band, unlike the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.