Boiler Upgrade Scheme in Leicestershire: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
Everything a Leicestershire homeowner needs to know about the £7,500 heat pump grant, the temporary £9,000 off-gas rate, and how the application actually works.
What Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government grant in England and Wales that reduces the upfront cost of replacing a fossil fuel boiler with a heat pump. It is run by Ofgem. You do not apply yourself: your MCS-certified installer applies on your behalf, and the grant is taken off your bill. It is not means-tested, so your income does not affect eligibility.
How Much Can You Get?
| System | Grant |
|---|---|
| Air source heat pump (air-to-water) | £7,500 |
| Ground source heat pump | £7,500 |
| Eligible off-gas-grid homes replacing oil or LPG with a heat pump | £9,000 (temporary, until 31 March 2027) |
Grant levels and rules change from time to time, so always check the official Boiler Upgrade Scheme guidance on GOV.UK before relying on a figure.
Who Qualifies?
- You own the property. Homeowners, private landlords and small businesses can all apply.
- The heat pump replaces an existing fossil fuel system such as gas, oil or LPG, or in some cases direct electric heating.
- The property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
- The installer is MCS-certified, and the system is designed to meet the property's full heating and hot water needs.
- New-build homes are generally not eligible, apart from some custom and self-builds.
The £9,000 Rate in Leicestershire
Many villages in the Harborough and Melton districts and in rural Charnwood are not connected to mains gas and rely on oil or LPG for heating. If that describes your home, you may qualify for the higher £9,000 grant while the temporary arrangements last. Being rural is not enough on its own: the home must be off the gas grid and replacing oil or LPG, and your installer will confirm eligibility before applying.
How the Application Works
- Survey and quote. An MCS-certified installer surveys your home and gives you a written quote showing the grant deduction.
- Installer applies. Once you accept, the installer submits the application to Ofgem.
- You confirm. Ofgem contacts you directly to confirm you agree to the application. Reply promptly, or the application can stall.
- Voucher issued. Ofgem issues a voucher, which is valid for a limited period, so the installation must be completed in that time.
- Installation and redemption. After commissioning, the installer redeems the voucher and receives the grant. You pay the balance.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Paying the full price up front and expecting a refund. The grant should be deducted on the quote.
- Using an installer who is not MCS-certified. Check them on the MCS register.
- Assuming you qualify for £9,000 without checking your fuel type and gas connection.
- Ignoring planning. Most installations are permitted development, but listed buildings and some conservation areas need more checks. In Leicester itself, planning is handled by Leicester City Council. Elsewhere in the county it is the district or borough council: Blaby, Charnwood, Harborough, Hinckley and Bosworth, Melton, North West Leicestershire, or Oadby and Wigston.
Get Grant-Ready
Our vetted partner installers in Leicestershire are MCS-certified and handle the BUS application for you. Read more on our BUS grant page, or start with a free estimate.
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This guide is general information, not advice for your specific property. Grant rules, prices and tariffs change, so confirm details with your installer and on GOV.UK before committing. See our Disclaimer.