Millions of consumers remain hostile to the idea of using an equity release scheme to boost post-retirement income, suggests research.

Equity release providers believe this may be because of the bad reputation of schemes in the past and unfounded consumer fears that they may lose their home. They say that "negative equity guarantees" now ensure homeowners will not lose their homes. Stronger financial regulation introduced in April and a new equity release exam for financial advisers are also signs of improving standards, they say.