SHIP (Safe Home Income Plans), today announces clarification of their safeguards to the equity release sector through a change to the SHIP certificate.Alongside the existing protection provided by the certificate, solicitors working on an equity release case must now sign a clause asserting their independence from the lender and the financial adviser, confirming that they have received nor offered any financial remuneration to the adviser or intermediary from the transaction.

The SHIP certificate already clearly states the main cost to the householder’s assets and estate.A SHIP equity release plan cannot proceed without a signed certificate. By signing the certificate, solicitors acknowledge that the essential features and implications of that plan have been brought to the attention of the purchaser.

Andrea Rozario, Director General of SHIP, commented on the change:

“The SHIP certificate makes it clear that there is to be no remuneration between advisers and solicitors. Although this already part of the SHIP code of conduct, this clarification of the safeguard leaves no room for misunderstanding. Customers taking out equity release from a SHIP member can be sure that they are taking on a regulated equity release plan from a reputable provider.”