Next Steps for Equity Release

Summit on the role of housing equity, with Heather Wheeler MP, Member of Parliament for South Derbyshire

Wednesday 11 July 2012
09.00-10.30

Deciding how the equity in property can be used to provide an income in retirement is one of the most important decisions that a family can make. Releasing this equity can, for example, help families extend the time they comfortably live in their own homes and fund care.

But many people have questions when it comes to equity release. There is a worry that the market has not always protected families’ interests and people often have a desire to leave a legacy for future generations.

Yet with the ageing of the population and the long term pressure on the public finances the role for products like equity release is only going to increase. There is thus a need to discuss the changing role of equity release and what needs to be done to ensure this market works for families.

Consumer understanding and perceptions of equity release must be the starting point for this discussion. Yet there is surprisingly little comprehensive information on these consumer views. To help address this gap Just Retirement has undertaken the largest ever survey of public attitudes on equity release.

This event will discuss the key results from this survey. Rodney Cook, Chief Executive, Just Retirement, will outline the survey findings and a panel of experts will then discuss these findings and what the next steps for the market could be. This panel will include:

·         Heather Wheeler MP, Chair, All-Party Parliamentary Local Government Group

·         David Budworth, Deputy Personal Finance Editor, The Times

·         Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director, Age UK

·         Nigel Waterson, Chairman, The Equity Release Council.

Dr Patrick Nolan, Chief Economist, Reform, will chair the discussion and time will be set aside for questions and answers from the floor.

RSVP to sara.gariban@reform.co.uk. Attendance will be confirmed by email.

Please contact Patrick Nolan at patrick.nolan@reform.co.uk for more information.

This event is held in partnership with Just Retirement.