The Catcuddles Sanctuary
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 December 2023
2 year old Pasha was rescued after a RTA, which resulted in a jaw injury and sight loss. Pasha was adopted in July 2023.
Registered Charity Number: 1147971
The Catcuddles Sanctuary
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
The trustees during the year ended 31 December 2023 were as follows:
Miss Nafsika Korniliou Ms A Georgopoulou Mr G Piskopos Mrs G Dexter Mr G Dexter
Principal Address
Tony Welsh Cat Clinic, 68 Springbank Road, London, SE13 6SN
Independent Examiner
Bells Accountants, 10a High Street, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 5AN
Charity Number 1147971
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The Catcuddles Sanctuary
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a constitution and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
Risk management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. The trustees are aided in their decision making by the Charity Director who in turn is assisted on one hand by the veterinary staff and on the other by the charity administrator and key volunteer team who have been carrying out the front-line work of the charity, engaging with the public and assisting in covering the needs of cats in Greater London. There were no changes to the Board of Trustees and Governance structure during 2023.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
2023 has been our most productive and expansive year to date. The Charity has been active not only through its rescue and fostering network and North London veterinary service, which operated consistently throughout the year, but also with the opening of a fostering hub in North London and the addition of our South London veterinary service, The Tony Welsh Cat Clinic.
This year continued to challenge our resources, with ongoing cost increases and difficulties in sourcing veterinary staff still posing major issues. However, donation and legacy income have been instrumental in maintaining rehoming, adoption and rehabilitation activities at full capacity.
The strategic aim of the two Cat Clinics remains to provide an affordable not-for-profit alternative for private veterinary care, covering first-opinion veterinary needs not only for our members, volunteers and supporters, but, most importantly to the general public. This is initiative is unprecedented in the UK and comes at a time when the steep rise in veterinary expenses, partly resulting in the increased cost of living, has become a matter of widespread concern. The provision of not-for-profit vet care accessible to all who can access our clinics thus represents a unique service offered by a cat charity to the general public in the UK.
The severe, ongoing challenges posed by veterinary staff shortages are well documented, and we have noticed a lack of suitable, charity minded, permanent veterinary staff. The phenomenon of locuming continues to expand across the sector, exacerbated by the post-Brexit shortage - also well documented – which has further driven up veterinary staffing costs.
In terms of rescuing and rehoming cats, our objective firmly remains to benefit the public by helping relieve the suffering of cats in need of temporary hosting (fostering), care, veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and eventual adoption into permanent, responsible homes. We have been operating at full capacity for yet another year, expanding provision with the opening of our North London rehoming hub in August 2023.
Longer fostering periods per cat have inevitably led to longer waiting lists to bring cats in need into the Charity’s safe custody. The post-covid mentality of adoptive homes has persisted, and the wide availability of cats and kittens has significantly affected adoption levels, contributing to longer stays. Our principles of feline care and adoption screening remain steadfast, as we did not consider lowering our standards or adoption criteria to be a viable option.
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The charity’s volunteer team has continued its traditional focus on rescue, rehabilitation and adoption work through its fostering network. This was made possible by the extraordinary teamwork within the volunteer team, which has maintained a remarkably low turnover in key volunteer roles. It should be noted, however, that the team has observed a significant, unfavourable shift in public attitudes towards adoption from a charity. Specifically, we have noticed a decrease in viable adoption enquiries and a distinct impression of reduced commitment to the long term responsibilities of cat custodianship.
In our advocacy work, the key objective of educating the public on responsible feline guardianship and strengthening the humanfeline bond has continued, led primarily by our volunteer communications team. This work is primarily conducted remotely but also at events such as Southwark Cathedral annual ‘Stories of Cats’ event (hosted by Hodge the Cat – pictured - who was adopted from the Charity in 2020).
True to its mission, the charity has continued to offer practical assistance, education, and post-adoption advice through its website and social media channels, as well as practical assistance and guidance for managing strays, abandoned cats, community cats, and feral colonies, with the goal of reducing cats visibly suffering.
The start of the Tony Welsh Cat Clinic
We are thrilled to announce the opening of our legacy clinic in South London! This ambitious project has solidified our charity’s role as a not-for-profit veterinary service provider, enabling us to extend even greater support to strays and charity cats coming to us for adoption, many of whom required extensive veterinary care. This included special needs cats, older cats, and those that have suffered accidents or acute conditions, which their previous custodians were unable to afford. The fully equipped Tony Welsh Cat Clinic, named in honour of our late benefactor, opened its doors in December 2023. Over this critical year, the legacy that made this project possible has also supported the continued provision of our veterinary services in North London.
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Volunteers
Catcuddles remains a volunteer led charity, with volunteers remaining as the driving force, backbone, and primary resource of our work. We continuously encourage all cat lovers with the time, skills and willingness to contribute regularly to join us in some form of volunteering, including remote opportunities. Our dedicated, community-based volunteer team is the foundation of our charity’s growth and the quality of care we provide to cats.
Despite the many external challenges that persist, we have helped, neutered, treated, rehabilitated and facilitated the adoption of cats who had no other options, who now are enjoying the comforts of a permanent and loving home.
All roles within the charity, apart from the veterinary staff (vets and vet nurses) remain volunteerbased, with the exception of the veterinary staff (vets and vet nurses). The project management and strategic leadership remain the responsibility of our founder, Evina Koroni, who also serves as Head of Feline Welfare and Charity Director, in addition to her long standing roles as fostering volunteer and experiential behaviourist.
Approved by order of the Board of Trustees on 27 October 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
Mrs G I Dexter – Trustee
16 year old Trinny’s owner went into care. She’d been eating a lot yet was losing weight. Annual health checks can help identify illness, but Trinny hadn’t seen a Vet since she was a kitten. Any senior cat arriving with us has a full geriatric screening. Trinny had severe dental disease, so we immediately set to work with dental surgery. She was also diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, a common disease affecting senior cats and managed by daily medication.
Trinny was adopted in September 2023.
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The Catcuddles Sanctuary
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
Financial review
The staffing costs associated with the veterinary clinics have increased by 50% in line with our growing activities. An additional team member was appointed in late summer 2023 to oversee the clinics and manage the overall veterinary service provision for the Charity in anticipation of the second cat clinic's opening.
Clinic income exceeded four times that of 2022. This level of veterinary income indicates a market value we assess to be approximately £500,000 for the services we provide. Donations remained healthy, especially considering the substantial legacy income recorded in 2022 as well as ongoing support from adopters, monthly donors and through volunteer led fundraising initiatives.
Our income reflects our not-for-profit model, meaning our charges are lower to ensure affordability. Consequently, we generate less income than would typically be expected for similar services in the private sector. For instance, in 2023 our average dental surgery cost was £450 compared to a private average of £800-£1,200. Geriatric blood tests were just over £100, while privately similar tests typically cost double this amount. Additionally, ultrasounds performed by a visiting Advanced Practitioner averaged £600 whereas referrals to specialists often exceeded £1,000. The only procedures over £800 in 2023 were carried out by visiting orthopaedic or soft tissue specialists who performed surgeries for our patients on-site.
The increase in fostering provision has naturally resulted in higher costs alongside more cats needing emergency treatment and ongoing treatment for illnesses such as FIP. In line with our ethos of using revenues and veterinary capacity to care for charity funded cats, and aside of the not-forprofit pricing benefitting all clients we could service over the year, we offered discounted services in veterinary care amounting to c.£60,000 up from c.£30,000 offered last year. The income figures reported for this year are net of this amount.
In 2023, total costs surpassed our income, necessitating a dip into our legacy funds. This was expected, primarily due to expenses incurred for the new clinic's installations, staffing costs, and a significant increase in treatment costs for cats in our care - 4.5 times the amount in 2022, reaching £78,000. Had we not had an in-house vet, treating these cats through a commercial vet would have cost us at least £150,000. Further expenses related to the clinic installation will be reflected in 2024.
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Reserves Policy
The Charity has maintained reserves equal to a minimum of six months' operating costs for its veterinary clinics. These reserves cover direct care of the cats in our custody, veterinary staff costs, and the leases and maintenance of both clinics. We ended the year with a healthy balance exceeding our reserve requirement and continue to operate without the need for external funding or borrowing.
The Reserves policy will be reviewed again by the end of 2024.
Governing document
The charity is an unincorporated entity, a volunteer organisation governed by its approved Constitution dated July 1st, 2012. In 2023 the charity had five trustees and one appointed director. Eligibility for membership of the Board of Trustees is governed by the constitutive document. There are no restrictions in the governing document on the operation of the charity or on its investment powers other than those imposed by general charity law.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Mrs G I Dexter Trustee 27/10/2024
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The Catcuddles Sanctuary
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of The Catcuddles Sanctuary
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages 8 to 12.
Respective responsibilities of the trustees and examiner
As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”). In carrying out my examination, I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
The company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of AAT
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or
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• the accounts do not accord with such records; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP
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 accounts to be reached.
Bells Accountants 10a High Street Chislehurst Kent BR7 5AN
31 October 2024
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The Catcuddles Sanctuary
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds £ £ Incoming resources Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income2 334,666 3,411 Rebate schemes 3,467 Gift aid 9,072 Total incoming resources347,205 3,411 Resources expended Charitable activities Veterinary and medical supplies 65,824 - Patient treatment 77,782 - Food/fostering supplies 10,212 - Clinic installation 68,130 - Staff costs4 119,766 - Rent and rates 45,335 - Depreciation5 9,718 - Governance costs 44,784 - Other resources expended34,602 - Total resources expended 476,153 - Net (outgoing)/incoming resources(128,948) 3,411 Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
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The Catcuddles Sanctuary
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds £ £ Fixed assets Tangible assets5 32,036 - Current assets Debtors6 23,235 - Cash at bank and in hand 103,210 - 126,445 - Creditors Amounts falling due within one year (35,095) - 7 Net current assets/(liabilities) 91,350 - Total assets less current liabilities 123,386 - Net assets 123,386 - Funds Unrestricted funds Total funds |
Total Funds 2023 £ 32,036 23,235 103,210 126,445 (35,095) ( 91,350 123,386 123,386 123,386 123,386 |
Total Funds 2022 £ 36,295 68,025 186,399 254,424 41,796) 212,628 248,923 248,923 248,923 248,923 |
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These financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 27 October 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:
Mrs G I Dexter – Trustee
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The Catcuddles Sanctuary NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1 Accounting policies
Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008), the Charities Act 2011 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Resources expended
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost 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.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life:
Plant and machinery – 25% reducing balance Fixtures and fittings – 25% reducing balance
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes of the financial statements.
Hire purchase and leasing commitments
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straightline basis over the period of the lease.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company’s pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
2 Voluntary income
Income received during the year was made up from a mixture of adoption, rehoming, and other donation generating activities as well as clinic income.
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Clinic income | 207,918 | 46,890 |
| Donations | 130,159 |
341,810 |
| 338,077 |
388,700 |
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The Catcuddles Sanctuary NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
3 Trustee’s remuneration and benefits
There were no Trustee’s fees and expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2023 (31 December 2022 £nil)
| 4 Staff costs 2023 £ Salary and wages 119,766 119,766 The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: All staff 2 |
2022 £ 80,196 80,196 2 |
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No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000
| 5 Tangible Fixed Assets Plant and Fixtures Machinery and fittings £ £ Cost At 1 January 2022 55,437 36,053 Additions 5,143 316 At 31 December 2023 60,580 36,369 Depreciation At 1 January 2022 28,224 26,971 Charge for year 7,405 2,313 At 31 December 2023 35,629 29,284 Net book value At 31 December 2023 24,951 7,085 At 31 December 2022 27,213 9,082 |
Totals £ 91,490 5,459 96,949 55,195 9,718 55,195 |
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32,036 36,295 |
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The Catcuddles Sanctuary
NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
6 Debtors: Amounts falling due within one-year Other debtors 7 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one-year Trade creditors Other creditors |
2023 £ 23,235 23,235 2023 £ 25,241 9,854 35,095 |
2022 £ 68,025 68,025 2022 £ 18,092 23,704 41,796 |
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The Catcuddles Sanctuary CHARITY INFORMATION
www.catcuddles.org.uk/
www.facebook.com/CatcuddlesUK
@catcuddles.org.uk
@catcuddles
www.linkedin.com/company/catcuddles www.youtube.com/c/TheCatcuddlesSanctuary
4 year old Bustopher Jones, pictured at our North London hub, was left behind when his owner relocated overseas. Bustopher was adopted in December 2023.
Registered Charity Number: 1147971