Coventry Cat Group
Trustee’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for 1[st] April 2023 – 31[st] March 2024
Registered charity number: 1065043
VAT Registration: 128 5052 25
Contents
Reference and Administrative Details .............................................................................................................................. 3 Summary of the Organisation’s Purpose and Activities.................................................................................................... 3 Achievements & Performance .......................................................................................................................................... 4 Financial Review ................................................................................................................................................................ 5 Structure, Governance & Management ............................................................................................................................ 5 Declaration ........................................................................................................................................................................ 6 Independent Examiner’s Report on the Accounts ............................................................................................................ 7
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Reference and Administrative Details
Charity Name : Coventry Cat Group
Other names Charity is known by : N/A
Charity Number : 1065043
Charity’s operating address : Wychwood, North Brook Road, Coventry, CV6 2AJ
Names of the Charity Trustees who managed the charity during the reporting period
Name Office Appointed Retired
Mrs Linda McManus Trustee 1[st] May 2014 - Mrs Judith Stanley Trustee 1[st] March 2016 - Mrs Deborah Brassington Hon. Secretary 14[th] February 2018 -
Mr Colin Childs Hon. Treasurer 14[th] February 2018 -
Summary of the Organisation’s Purpose and Activities
Summary of the Objectives of the charity as set out in its Governing Document
To provide assistance in the provision of care and accommodation of abandoned mainly feral cats which are in need of care and protection by reason of homelessness, sickness, maltreatment or poor circumstances or ill usage, and the prevention of cruelty to, and suffering among cats in Coventry and the immediate surrounding area, and to advance the education of the public in the care of feral cats.
The charity is run entirely by volunteers, none of whom are employed by the Trust.
Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to the charity’s objectives
Rehoming of 62 cats and kittens, following each being neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and treated against fleas and worms.
Support for long term foster cats with a range of medical conditions and or elderly cats who are currently in foster care.
Trapping, neutering and microchipping has been carried out to aid local feral cats and kittens. Some of these were returned to site (TNR), and the majority were trapped, microchipped, neutered and found a place in our care to enable them to progress to family pets after many cases extended rehabilitation and socialisation.
Taking into care abandoned cats, getting them neutered (where necessary), vaccinated, and microchipped, treated against worms and fleas, rehabilitated and found a permanent home.
Providing a helpline to advise members of the public and also social workers and other who work with vulnerable people.
Provide a microchip scanning service.
Organising various successful fundraising events.
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Achievements & Performance
Statutory Declaration
The Trustees declare that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit publishing by the commission in exercising their powers or duties.
Summary of the main achievements of the Charity for the year
Homed 32 cats and kittens
Completion of the mother and kitten unit, providing a specialist care space for queens and their litters Successfully recruited a number of new volunteers
Coordinators Annual Report
We have been asked to help more and more cats, especially as our name is growing, possibly via the internet. Although we suspect there are a lot more who do need help, due to kittens being purchased over the dreadful Covid time. A lot of people have taken them on and not been serious about their commitment, not having them, vaccinated, microchipped or spayed/neutered. We spend a lot of time explaining to people why we cannot help them. We continue to help feral colonies before they grow any bigger, which can end up with sickly cats needing a lot more help and resources if nobody does.
The public need to understand that we have to have somewhere to isolate the cat(s) needing help, get a vet appointment, take it at least once, incur costs, treatment and recovery time, depending on whether a simple neuter/spay, or a possible more complex procedure, such as an eye removal, where it may then be unsafe to return the cat to where it came from, or if a member of the public who asked for help, no longer wants the cat back at their property. We can quickly have no space, low funds and are supported by a small army of volunteers, not the big charity they wish we were.
Recently we have had some lovely people do their best to help cats who have appeared in gardens looking lost or needing help. So, when they call our helpline, we do our very best to support them with advice and thank them generously for their efforts.
As you may be aware, it is becoming law on the 10th of June this year, that all cats and kittens aged 20 weeks, or more are microchipped with their details up to date. We sincerely hope it makes a difference. We are glad to see that when someone finds a cat or kitten, they are usually advised from one member of the public to another to take it to a vet to have it checked for a microchip.
Two of our dedicated volunteer members have given us a substantial donation towards the much-needed refurbishment of our Isolation Unit, the building has seen so many little faces over the few years we have had it in use, so this is very welcome and appreciated indeed, we are so grateful to them.
We would like to send a huge “thank you” to our Trustees, Executive Committee Members, Bid Funding Team, volunteers and supporters, who along with the cats who need our help, give us the will to carry on when some days it is really tough without a break from the constant demands for our services.
We look forward to raising some more funds at our Afternoon Tea and Open Day events, which were enjoyed by many last year, and were financially successful too. All we need is some good weather to make it happen, it is great to be able to meet our supporters on those days, you make what we do possible.
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Financial Review
Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves
The Trust has no substantial reserves
Details of any funds materially in deficit
None
Treasurer Report for Financial Year 2023/2024
I am pleased to report that despite tough economic conditions, the Charity remains in a healthy financial position. After investing heavily during 2022 on our new Mother and Kitten unit, 2023 was a year of consolidation, ensuring our costs continue to be carefully controlled.
During the last year, we have again had wonderful success with our big fundraising events, the Summer Open Day, our popular Paws for a Cuppa afternoon teas, and finally our Christmas Fayre which this year raised a record breaking £2,280!
The Charity’s cash reserves at the end of FY23/24 amounted to £33,377. Finally I would like to express my thanks to my fellow Trustees and Executive Committee members for their support, our Bid and Funding team for all their determination with several successful grants, our volunteers for all their hard work, and to our Supporters for their generosity and goodwill.
Structure, Governance & Management
Description of the Charity’s Trusts
Type of Governing Document: Constitution adopted September 1997 and amended May 2018
How the Charity is Constituted: Trust
Trustee Selection: Being an established, trustworthy volunteer nominated and elected by the charity membership at the AGM
How New Trustees are Inducted and Trained : By reference of the Charity Commission Notes about the role of a Trustee, and reference to the history and current status of the charity.
Additional Governance: Minimum of three trustees at any one time. Executive Committee meet monthly to discuss day to day running of the charity, report to trustees, including any major risks identified.
We are associate members of the Association of Dog and Cat Homes. We work with other local charities to offer advice, support and assistance, also to members of the public who get in touch regarding feral colonies, abandoned or stray cats.
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Declaration The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustee's Report above. Signed on behalf of the ChariWs Trustees Full Name: Judith Stanley Position: Trustee th Date: 8 December 2024 Signature: Full Name: Lin Mcmanus Position: Trustee th Date: 8 December 2024 Signature: Full Name: Debbie 8rassin8ton Position: Hon. Secretary th Date: 8 December 2024 Signature: Full Name: Colin Childs Position: Hon. Treasurer Date: 8 December 20 Signature: Page16
Independent Examiner’s Report on the Accounts
The independent examination of the Coventry Cat Group accounts for the period 1[st] April 2023 through to 31[st] March 2024 was conducted in January 2025 by David McCabe.
Coventry Cat Group
Financial Statements for the Year Ending 31[st] March 2024
Charity Number 1065043
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COVENTRY CAT GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 Charity Number 1065043
COVENTRY CAT GROUP TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 The trustees present their report with the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2024 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered charity name Coventry Cat Group Charity reglstration number 1065043 Willand Harvest Hill Lane Coventry CV5 9DD The trustees The trustees who served the charity during the period were as follows: Lin Mcmanus Judith Stanley Debbie Brassington Colin Childs Independent examiner David Mccabe 6 Chaelton Drive Rugby Warwickshire CV21 1TU OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITES To provide assistance in the provision of care and accommodation of abandoned, mainly feral cats which are in need of care and protection by reason of homelessness, sickness, maltreatment or poor circumstances or ill usage and the prevention of cruelty to and suffering among such cats in Coventry and the immediate surrounding area: and To advance the education of the public in the care of feral cats Signed on behalf of the trustees 6 Charwelton Drive Rugby Warwickshire CV21 1TU Colin Childs Trustee 23rd January 2025
COVENTRY CAT GROUP INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF COVENTRY CAT GROUP YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 st March 2024 which are set out on the following pages this report. RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act., and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such Matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'Yrue and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention.. (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements.. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met., or (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. David Mccabe Independent Examiner 6 Charvielton Drive Rugby War¥vickshire CV21 1TU 23rd January 2025
COVENTRY CAT GROUP BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH 2024 2024 2023 FIXED ASSETS 250,000 250,000 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at Bank and in hand VAT Refund Due 33,377 1,076 31,450 1,620 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year (375) (375) NET CURRENT ASSETS 34,078 32,695 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 284,078 282,695 NET ASSETS 284,078 282,695 FUNDS Unrestricted income funds 284,078 282,695 TOTAL FUNDS 284,078 282,695 These financial statements were approved by the members of the committee and authorised for issue on the 23rd January 2025 and are signed on their behalf by.. Colin Childs Trustee
COVENTRY CAT GROUP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 2024 2023 INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming resources from generating funds" Donations Willand income Interest Received Grant 51,276 14,491 900 1,500 31,839 13,068 223 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 68,167 45.130 RESOURCES EXPENDED Cost of generating funds: Cat Food Cat Litter Cat Expenses (other) Cat Medications Vets Bills (13,721) (6,836) (5,086) {3,621) {19,220) (1,798) (90) (749) (34) {375) (658) (7,269) (1,328) (1,399) (14,030) (5,434) (5,299) (2,996) (20,273) (1,882) (72) (298) (56) (375) (1,151> (7,300) (1,389) (1,287) Fundraising Equipment Telephone Printing Postage and Stationery Bank Charges Accountancy Bungalow Repairs Cattery Fees Energy Bills Insuran TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED ON OPERATIONS (62,184) (61,842) Special Projects (4,600) (35,644) NET INCOMING RESOURCES FOR THE YEAR 1,383 (52.356) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forbvard 282,695 335,051 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 284,078 282,695 The Statement of Financial Activites includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a statement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared. All of the above amounts relate to continuing activities.