Charity Registration No. 1093973
OTTERSPOOL ANIMAL HAVEN
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
OTTERSPOOL ANIMAL HAVEN
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees S M Challinor A Bowes J Dixon (Appointed 15 March 2025) Secretary J Dixon Treasurer S Challinor Charity number 1093973 Principal address 14 Torquay Grove Woodsmoor Stockport Cheshire SK2 7BB Independent examiner Chadwicks Chartered Accountants Capital House 272 Manchester Road Droylsden Manchester M43 6PW Bankers The Co-operative Bank PO Box 250 Delf House Southway Skelmersdale WN8 6WT
OTTERSPOOL ANIMAL HAVEN
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 2 |
| Statement of trustees' responsibilities | 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 13 |
OTTERSPOOL ANIMAL HAVEN
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2025.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)"
Objectives and activities
The charity's objects are to provide veterinary care, treatment and shelter for abandoned animals and to educate the public in matters concerning animal welfare. The policies adopted in furtherance of these objects are unchanged in the year.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Achievements and performance
The last year has seen quite a few changes in the way we operate and care for our dogs especially. Although during Covid we had stopped using Blossoms Boarding Kennels quite so much, they were always there if we needed them. Especially in the case of an emergency if a dog came in that a fosterer could not cope with. In December 2024 Blossoms closed down completely, the land was sold off for building. Also around the same time, the Greyhound Racing Kennels, from where we had re-homed numerous dogs, closed. It had been quite an advantage for us not to have to pay boarding fees for the dogs. We did however, cover all vets bills for them which included dental work and could be very expensive. It is of course a good thing for us that many racing tracks are closing down and the amount of greyhounds needing to be rescued should be greatly reduced. We now therefore rely completely on foster carers to look after any dogs that come in. It is easier said than done to get people for this job. Often the ones we do get become attached to the dog and end up adopting it. Such was the case with the people who fostered Gismo and likewise Chesney's foster carers. This is good but we have lost a foster home. Fortunately we have a couple of fosters who have managed to resist this temptation. With their help we have managed to home a lot of dogs. Sadly two dogs that came in had a lot of veterinary treatment but had to be put to sleep in the end. We have one of our greyhounds in long term foster as, unfortunately, the lady we homed him with had to go into a care home 18 months ago. Archie has multiple health issues making it difficult to find him a new home. This way he has a nice comfy sofa to sleep on and we foot all the vet bills.
The cat situation with us and other rescues is in crisis at the moment. Compared to previous years cat rehoming has been very slow this year. This is due to that fact that many of the cats we have in pens are either ailing or difficult. We have a non-destruction policy, which means if nothing goes out there is no room for anything to come in. The rising cost of veterinary bills has made it very difficult for people to commit to taking on a pet. We have been lucky to have had the help of a couple who also foster dogs for us. Some months ago we were alerted to a farmer who had a lot of feral cats on and around his land. Many of these cats and kittens were being killed on the road. Also many were dying as they have been so inbred. This has been a large undertaking for us, fortunately we have been able to trap some of the kittens and turn them round into sometimes shy but friendly home able cats. This makes our work rewarding. We have come a long with with this project though many will have to be neutered and returned to where they came from. We also had to re trap three cats we had neutered at the greyhound racing kennels. When they closed, this site was also up for redevelopment. Fortunately were were able to relocate them to local stables, though we remain responsible for their well being.
We have also paid for a number of rabbits to be neutered. Though we do not have facilities to take them in, if we are able to find homes we will help.
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OTTERSPOOL ANIMAL HAVEN
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Financial review
Our shop and legacies see the bulk of our income. Our shop does very well the only problem being getting hold of suitable volunteers. As with many charities we seem to rely on the same people.
In March 2025 our Secretary Doris Kirkham decided to retire from her post. Doris was one of the first Trustees to start the Charity and was with us from day one. Julie Dixon who has been a volunteer from many years has been happy to take on the role of Secretary and we are pleased to have her with us.
Overall the year has been hard work but worth it in the end. We are well aware we would be nowhere without our loyal supporters.
Structure, governance and management
The registered name of the charity with the Charity Commission is Otterspool Animal Haven, number 1093973. The charity was established by a charitable trust deed on 30th September 2002.
The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: D Kirkham (Resigned 14 March 2025) S M Challinor A Bowes J Dixon (Appointed 15 March 2025)
The recruitment and appointment of trustees is as set out the charities constitution. The organisation is a small unincorporated charity set up for the welfare of animals.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
A Bowes
Trustee Dated: 15 December 2025
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OTTERSPOOL ANIMAL HAVEN
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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OTTERSPOOL ANIMAL HAVEN
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF OTTERSPOOL ANIMAL HAVEN
I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2025, which are set out on pages 5 to 13.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011.
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Claire L Taylor BA(Hons), F.C.C.A Chadwicks Chartered Accountants Capital House 272 Manchester Road Droylsden Manchester M43 6PW
Dated: 16 December 2025
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OTTERSPOOL ANIMAL HAVEN
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Notes Income from: Donations and legacies 2 Activities for generating funds 3 Investments 4 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 5 Charitable activities 6 Total resources expended Net gains/(losses) on investments 10 Net movement in funds Fund balances at 1 October 2024 Fund balances at 30 September 2025 |
2025 £ 98,078 53,982 14,229 166,289 9,328 97,816 107,144 21,362 80,507 551,075 631,582 |
2024 £ 64,372 58,284 11,519 |
|---|---|---|
| 134,175 | ||
| 9,225 | ||
| 88,087 | ||
| 97,312 | ||
| 28,787 | ||
| 65,650 485,425 |
||
| 551,075 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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OTTERSPOOL ANIMAL HAVEN
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 12 Investments 13 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 14 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities The funds of the charity Unrestricted funds |
2025 £ 291,227 (216) |
£ 24,511 316,060 340,571 291,011 631,582 631,582 631,582 |
2024 £ 235,685 (205) |
£ 23,585 292,010 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 315,595 235,480 |
||||
| 551,075 | ||||
| 551,075 | ||||
| 551,075 |
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 15 December 2025
S M Challinor A Bowes Trustee Trustee
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OTTERSPOOL ANIMAL HAVEN
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Otterspool Animal Haven is a non-incorporated charity. The principal address is: 14 Torquay Grove, Woodsmoor, Stockport, Cheshire, SK2 7BB.
1.1 Accounting convention
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" ("FRS 102"), and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
1.4 Incoming resources
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
1.5 Resources expended
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
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OTTERSPOOL ANIMAL HAVEN
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.6 Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Land and buildings 10% straight line Computers 25% reducing balance Motor vehicles 25% reducing balance
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
1.7 Fixed asset investments
Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.
1.8 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
1.9 Employee benefits
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
1.10 Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
2 Donations and legacies
| Donations and gifts Legacies receivable Grants recievables Donated goods and services |
2025 £ 24,102 62,482 10,000 1,494 98,078 |
2024 £ 32,816 26,863 - 4,693 |
|---|---|---|
| 64,372 |
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OTTERSPOOL ANIMAL HAVEN
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
3 Activities for generating funds
| Fundraising events Shop income Sponsorships and social lotteries Commissions received Activities for generating funds |
2025 £ 161 51,280 - 2,541 53,982 |
2024 £ 131 54,705 1,011 2,437 |
|---|---|---|
| 58,284 |
4 Investments
| Income from listed investments Interest receivable Raising funds Trading costs Operating charity shops |
2025 £ 6,107 8,122 14,229 2025 £ 9,328 9,328 |
2024 £ 6,992 4,527 |
|---|---|---|
| 11,519 | ||
| 2024 £ 9,225 |
||
| 9,225 |
5 Raising funds
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OTTERSPOOL ANIMAL HAVEN
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
6 Charitable activities
| Charitable activities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Staff costs Depreciation and impairment Animal food Veterinary expenses Other animal requirements Share of support costs (see note 7) Share of governance costs (see note 7) |
2025 £ 30,420 17,850 3,615 26,574 928 79,387 11,485 6,944 97,816 |
2024 £ 25,782 8,197 3,591 29,961 818 |
| 68,349 13,373 6,365 |
||
| 88,087 |
7 Support costs
| Support costs Governance costs £ £ Boarding out rent and electricity 1,479 - Motor expenses 3,493 - Newsletter/leaflet printing and stationery 223 - Telephone 1,520 - Insurance 1,444 - Repairs, maintenance and cleaning 3,326 - Accountancy - 780 Legal and professional - 1,913 Sundry expenses - 832 Investment management fees - 3,419 11,485 6,944 Analysed between Charitable activities 11,485 6,944 |
2025 £ 1,479 3,493 223 1,520 1,444 3,326 780 1,913 832 3,419 18,429 18,429 |
2024 £ 1,325 4,883 186 1,363 1,324 4,292 592 1,560 967 3,246 |
|---|---|---|
| 19,738 | ||
| 19,738 |
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OTTERSPOOL ANIMAL HAVEN
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
8 Trustees
Contracted service salary represents payments made to a trustee of the charity under an employment agreement signed on 8 April 2009 for which consent was granted by the Charity Commission in June 2009.
All payments have been made in accordance with clause 4.1 of the agreement, as amended under clause 19. Copies of the agreement can be inspected at the charity's correspondence address.
The treasurer claims a monthly mobile phone bill, these expenses are minimal and the mobile phone is mainly used for calls relating to the charity.
No other trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or expenses during the year.
9 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | |
| 2 | 2 | |
| Employment costs | 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 29,878 | 25,282 |
| Other pension costs | 542 | 500 |
| 30,420 | 25,782 | |
| Net gains/(losses) on investments | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Revaluation of investments | 21,362 | 28,787 |
10 Net gains/(losses) on investments
11 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
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OTTERSPOOL ANIMAL HAVEN
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| 12 Tangible fixed assets Cost At 1 October 2024 Additions Disposals At 30 September 2025 Depreciation and impairment At 1 October 2024 Depreciation charged in the year Eliminated in respect of disposals At 30 September 2025 Carrying amount At 30 September 2025 At 30 September 2024 13 Fixed asset investments Cost or valuation At 1 October 2024 & 30 September 2025 Carrying amount At 30 September 2025 At 30 September 2024 |
Land and buildings Computers Motor vehicles £ £ £ 5,845 1,872 32,398 - - 32,075 - - (32,398) 5,845 1,872 32,075 5,845 1,266 9,418 - 151 8,019 - - (9,418) 5,845 1,417 8,019 - 455 24,056 - 605 22,980 Listed investments Cash in portfolio £ 282,745 9,265 282,745 9,265 282,745 9,265 |
Total £ 40,115 32,075 (32,398) 39,792 16,529 8,170 (9,418) 15,281 24,511 23,585 Total £ 292,010 292,010 292,010 |
|---|---|---|
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OTTERSPOOL ANIMAL HAVEN
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
13 Fixed asset investments
(Continued)
Investment objective: Growth
The charity expect the portfolio to grow over a number of years through a combination of reinvesting income and capital growth.
Movement in the funds is as follows:
| Movement in the funds is as follows: | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Dividend income | 6,107 | 6,992 |
| Management fees deducted | (3,419) | (3,246) |
| Profit/Loss on the investments | 21,362 | 28,787 |
| Cash investment in the year | - | - |
| 24,050 | 32,533 | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Accruals and deferred income | 216 | 205 |
14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
15 Retirement benefit schemes
Defined contribution schemes
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.
The charge to the profit and loss account in respect of defined contribution schemes was £542 (2024 - £500)
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