Please note: The Council offices will be closed over the Christmas week from December 23 to 27.

The following Christmas message is from Council Chief Executive Jim Boyd:

“Thank you for your support throughout 2019 which has been another remarkable year for both the Council and the wider sector.

“Over the last 12 months we have welcomed more than 100 new member firms into Council membership, including Knight Frank Finance, Openwork and StepChange Financial Solutions – reflecting the increasing diversity of firms whose customers are seeking equity release.

“Meanwhile, the Council has embarked on a number of strategic initiatives to meet the demands of this growth and ensure it remains sustainable, including the biggest evolution of the Council’s Standards since it took on a broader remit in 2012 to represent all categories of firms covering the full customer journey.

“Effective from January 1, the update introduces a principles and outcome-based approach alongside the existing rules to meet consumers’ changing needs in later life. Details are in the members’ lounge of our website.

“Our new Standards will be complemented with a Competency Framework, aimed at supporting advisers at every stage of their careers, which we are expecting to launch at the inaugural Equity Release Summit, on March 12, in Church House Westminster, London.

“In addition to keynote addresses by senior politicians and sector leaders, the Summit will feature core plenary sessions focusing on broad issues of interest to Council members and the wider sector.

“I look forward to the Summit becoming the landmark event of the year for our sector and hope you will be able to attend. We are offering a discount for members and an early-bird discount before 12 January 2020.

“Until then and on behalf of the entire Council team I would like to wish you a merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy New Year.”