As part of this initiative, SHIP launched a questionnaire last month to gather as much information as possible from advisers on their opinions and experiences of this issue. The questionnaire, developed in conjunction with a specialist software provider, is live until the end of the month and can be found at: http://www.logiforms.com/formdata/user_forms/14397_8940992/76483/
The results will be analysed by a working group led by SHIP, Baroness Hollis, and other key stakeholders and the results fed back to the wider market later in the year.
Fay Goddard, chief executive of the Personal Finance Society said: "The issues around the interaction of state benefits and equity release are complicated. It's vital that intermediaries feel confident in the advice they give and that consumers feel assured of the quality of advice they receive; so we're pleased to support this campaign as it aims to provide intermediaries with a clear understanding of when equity release might be appropriately recommended to their clients."
Chris Cummings, director general of the Association of Independent Financial Advisers/Association of Mortgage Intermediaries said: "We are pleased to have the opportunity to put our support behind SHIP's new campaign. Advisers operate in a very complex environment and any move which means that they are better able to help their clients is to be welcomed."
Andrea Rozario, director general of SHIP, said: "Our campaign has been very successful so far and we are delighted that these associations are voicing their support. With so much change and a new Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, now is the ideal time to tackle issues such as benefit clarification. Our campaign is gaining momentum and we hope other bodies will join the campaign."
