Winter heating costs put focus on £9,000 heat pump grants for Cotswold homes
As winter approaches, Cotswold District Council is reminding eligible residents to take advantage of increased heat pump grants while extra funding support remains available until March 2027.
Many homes across the Cotswolds are not connected to the mains gas network and rely on heating oil to keep warm - with fluctuations in fuel prices making it difficult to plan and budget for the colder months.
But eligible households using heating oil or LPG may be able to access a government grant of up to £9,000 towards the cost of installing a heat pump through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
The government increased the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant from £7,500 to £9,000 for these households in July 2026, providing additional support for anyone considering a switch from heating oil to a heat pump.
Unlike gas and electricity customers on standard domestic tariffs, heating oil users are not protected by the Ofgem energy price cap, meaning they can be more exposed to changes in global fuel prices.
A heat pump uses electricity to transfer heat from the air or ground into a home, providing heating and hot water. Whether one is suitable depends on the property, its existing heating system and individual installation requirements.
Cllr Mike McKeown, cabinet member for climate change at Cotswold District Council, said:
"For households that rely on heating oil, changes in fuel prices can create real uncertainty, particularly as the colder months approach.
"We would encourage residents to look into the support available and consider whether alternative heating options could be suitable for their home. The increase in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant means more help is available for eligible households looking to make the switch."
The council is encouraging residents to check whether they qualify for the grant and seek independent advice before deciding whether a heat pump is right for their property.
Through its Warm and Well partnership, the council also helps residents access free advice on energy efficiency, renewable technologies and funding that may be available for home improvements.
Helping residents understand their heating options and improve the energy efficiency of their homes supports the council's priorities of responding to the climate emergency and supporting communities.
Residents can find out more about the grant, check eligibility criteria and speak to an accredited installer to understand whether a heat pump could be suitable for their property.
Find out more:
- Read about the heat pump grant increase for off-grid homes.
- Find out more about the Government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
- Visit Warm and Well for free energy advice and information about additional funding that may be available to eligible households, including support beyond the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
- Get tailored advice on making your home more energy efficient through Furbnow's Gloucestershire service.
- Access the free Fairer Warmth App for advice on improving your home's energy efficiency.
- Read Cotswold District Council's guidance on retrofit and energy efficiency, including advice for listed buildings and properties in conservation areas.