The forum will include representatives from HM Treasury, the Department for Communities and Local Government, Department of Health and the Department for Work and Pensions.
Nigel Waterson, chairman of the Equity Release Council, said: “As the equity release market continues to grow, we must overcome the lingering policy and knowledge vacuum in order to better meet older people’s needs.
“Our industry government forum will provide the perfect environment to start addressing this and we are very appreciative of civil servants’ involvement.”
The increased demand for equity release products has created a need for closer co-ordination between industry and government departments to improve the public awareness of the uses of equity release.
The latest session focused on the cost of living for people over the age of 55.
The council’s own research formed the background to the discussions and showed significant numbers of older people are struggling with rising living costs.
Waterson added: “Industry can play an important role by helping to inform cohesive policies when it comes to the future of equity release and it is this that we are seeking to encourage.”
