More2life has topped Air Group’s overall category in its half yearly ‘temperature check’ report for equity release lenders.

The lender scored 8.18 out of 10, which was then followed by Legal & General, at 7.90, Canada Life, at 7.73 and then Pure Retirement, which scored 7.50.

More2life also comes first in the Net Promoter Score category, racking up 83.73%, with Canada Life next at 78.88%, Pure Retirement at 72.62% and then Legal & General, at 71.73%.

Air Group points out that compared to H1 2020, many scores have actually dropped, however.

Chief executive Stuart Wilson says: “For instance, the top four brands in the ‘overall category’ is exactly the same as it was in H1 2020 but there has been movement.

“Back then, Canada Life came out on top and has since dropped back to third, Legal & General remains in second place, More2life has moved from third to first, and Pure Retirement remains in fourth.

“It’s a similar tale in the Net Promoter overall score category, where out of the top four only Legal & General has posted a better percentage score than in the first half of last year.

“Indeed, out of the seven individual categories where we have a direct comparison available, there were only five out of 28 top four provider scores which saw an improvement.”

The report shows that each score posted in the categories ‘ease of application’, ‘speed of pre-offer process’, ‘speed of post-offer process ‘and ‘communications’ was down annually.

Wilson also mentions that the gap between the top four and bottom four is narrowing: “Therefore”, he says, “we are seeing a much tighter array of scores and this analysis continues to allow us to offer all providers feedback and highlight were advisers clearly think there are positives and areas to potentially work on.

“As always, this ‘temperature check’ is not a provider-bashing tool but one that allows us to work with providers to ensure ongoing excellence and that we have a strong relationship which works for both parties,” Wilson concludes.

The 200 advisers who provided feedback for this report made up 11% of equity release plans taken out in the first half of this year.