Facts :- mother aged 83 not in best of health ,her pension income £1300 per month , no mortgage , house valued at £175,000, probably needs sheltered housing in near future as mental and physical health deteriorating,considering same and will rent rather than buy.She has savings earning very little interest of approx £50,000, has son (me!!!) aged 50 who still has outstanding mortage of £70,000 and grandchildren are nearly 18 and 16 . I want my mother to give some of her capital away from assets in savings to grandchildren even to me to reduce my mortage so that grandmother can see her savings being used whilst she is still alive , am i morally wrong to want this to happen and being selfish and if im in the right what could she transfer to myself and to her grandchildren ? hope this all makes sense, it is a predicament as unfortunately my mother has little need for the savings and little way of spending same , any advice welcome thanks

Purely from a moral point of view you need your Mum to see either her own or an independent solicitor on her own. Morally, it is up to your Mother what SHE wants to do with her savings and NO ONE else unless she is incapable of rational thought. By you either asking or suggesting what she should do could put pressure on her and she may tell you what she thinks you want to hear for fear of upsetting you?

If you are serious about HER welfare try and get some facts, figures and info from your local council and maybe an assisted living provider like Abbeyfield homes. Give all of this information to her/a solicitor but then let her consider her legal options and wishes independant of any outside pressure.

Another thought for you would be to ring your local tax office to find out the exact tax implications for financial gifts. They have specific rates and formula for this type of dilemma and are usually very helpful.

Good luck

She definitely needs advice from a Solicitor who can take account of the state of your Mother's health and very importantly act in consideration along with her wish and intentions.

There is a major stumbling block in your post regarding what could be a potential, "deprivation of capital/asset" problem with the local authority. Dependent on your Mother's needs and the reasonably expected care need requirements currently and in the future along with what she gives away..... if you (all) get this wrong any monies could have to be repaid.!