Together has joined the Equity Release Council.

The specialist lender provides first charge, second charge and bridging finance, as well as later life lending.

The council said Together’s membership brings additional expertise and perspective as the later life lending market evolves.

Together personal finance chief executive John Barker said: “The organisations that will define the future of later life lending are those prepared to help shape the market, not simply operate within it. Joining the Equity Release Council is an important step in our strategic journey, providing an opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders, contribute fresh perspectives and support the continued evolution of the later life sector.”

Equity Release Council chief executive Jim Boyd (pictured) said: “We’re delighted to welcome Together to the Equity Release Council. Their experience in specialist lending will bring a valuable perspective to our membership as the later life lending market continues to broaden, and we look forward to working with the team to support its continued development.”

The Equity Release Council now has more than 800 member firms and 1,800 registered individuals, including providers, funders, regulated financial advisers, solicitors, surveyors and others.

Lifetime mortgages are increasingly being used by wealthier homeowners, according to More2life research in August.