What happens to Council Tax Exemption when Mum Moves to Care Home?

Dellmar

Unfortunately, my Mum who lives on her own is going to have to move into a care home as she has dementia following a stroke 2 years ago and is no longer able to look after herself. Since she has savings and a home she will be self-funding her care. I am her power of attorney and I am planning on using her savings to pay for her care until they run out and then I will have to sell her house to continue funding. The house could be empty for quite some time. At the moment, she has an exemption on her council tax because she has mental incapacity but I don't know what happens once she moves into the care home. Will she lose the exemption or will she have to start paying council tax at a reduced rate? I can't seem to find any specific information on this. I could ring the council to find out but was wondering if it would be better not to mention it. No-one is going to be living in the house while she's in the care home. (Although we may occasionally use it when I take her to visit relatives as the home is 200 miles away, near me.)
Appreciate any advice, thanks.

p00hsticks

I can't answer your query, but just a reminder to let the insurance company know that the house will be empty, or you may find that the refuse any claims.

CIS

At present she has a Class U exemption, this ceases when the property is no longer her 'sole or main residence' however providing no one else resides in the property and she plans on remaining permanently in a care home then she can claim a Class E exemption instead. A Class E exemption is unlimited time wise.

Dellmar

Yes, Poohsticks, that something else on my list of things to do. Seems to be so much to sort out on all different fronts. Thank you for your advice.
That's great CIS, I shall let the council know she's moving into a care home. Thanks very much for the info!