Registered number: 1191376
Wisteria Cat Rescue
Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2023
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Wisteria Cat Rescue (Charity number 1191376)
Reference and administration details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers For the year ended 31 August 2023
Trustees
B Devitt T Devitt G Merchant J Kennedy D Hart J Humphrey (appointed 4 November 2022) R Collins (appointed 4 November 2022)
Charity registered number
1191376
Registered office
9 Beatty Road Rochester Kent ME1 2TG
Bankers
Natwest Bank 3 High Street Maidstone Kent ME14 1HJ
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Wisteria Cat Rescue (Charity number 1191376)
Trustees’ report For the year ended 31 August 2023
The Trustees present their Annual Report together with the Financial Statements of Wisteria Cat Rescue for the year 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023.
Objectives and activities
The principal objects of the charity are to relieve the suffering of cats in need of care and attention, by a neutering and rehoming service for stray cats, and to provide for the reception, care and treatment of them until they have been rehomed.
In shaping our objectives for the year and planning our activities, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, including the guidance ‘public benefit: running a charity (PB2)’.
Achievements and performance
a. Review of activities and future plans
This year has been a very exciting year for our charity seeing a change in premises which has allowed the rescue to expand its assistance to cats in need. This has been a huge project for us with a lot of planning involved to design a cattery in line with ADCH Minimum Welfare standards, offering the best possible experience for any cats coming into our care.
The first cattery pens were finished and first occupied in June 2023, with further buildings being under construction at the year end. In the long-term these pens being available on-site allows for more cats to stay at HQ which is also now closer to our main vet practice. Additionally, we have a committed group of volunteer foster carers who look after cats in a home environment, allowing us different care options depending on each individual cat’s needs.
Whilst this has been a year with a lot of change, we are more dedicated than ever to ensure the support we are offering cats and the local community is effective. We have adapted our focus during the construction process to assist more cats in the community, supporting individuals with food, neutering and vet bills to help cats to stay in their current home where their owners are facing financial hardship.
We are able to offer various lifelines to the community including:
• Being a contact for the local community, vets and local authorities to be able to take in and rehome stray and abandoned cats.
• Offering a ‘Rescue Backup’ service to reassure owners that their cats can be taken into our care and rehomed if they become incapable of looking after them either through illness, death or other circumstances.
• Assisting local authorities and emergency services with cats requiring out of hours care and services for feral cats.
• Providing guidance and advice to cat owners to increase awareness of cat welfare.
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Wisteria Cat Rescue (Charity number 1191376)
Trustees’ report For the year ended 31 August 2023
Rescuing Stray and Abandoned Cats
We have continued to see high numbers of cats signed over into our care as a result of the cost of living crisis in the UK. This has also led to a national issue of cats being dumped which sadly we have seen a lot of, with cats dumped outside our rescue, vet practice and even in bins locally. Once the cats are within our care, we have them fully assessed by a veterinary professional and then we assess their needs for rehoming.
Community Support
Our charity is dedicated to helping the community and improving the welfare of cats in the local area. This is an offering which we have worked to increase this year considering the changes the charity has been making to its premises. We are proud to always offer assistance without judgement of the individual’s situation and will always provide the resources, care and advice that is needed.
We have seen the cost of living crisis affect people’s ability to provide veterinary care for their pets which we have been able to support them with. We feel this ongoing support helps to reduce the number of cats coming into rescue for rehoming, as well as supporting the wellbeing of owned cats and the mental health of their owners where they are already in a loving home.
Feral Work
Feral cats are a big part of what we do as a rescue, and we involve ourselves heavily with a project which is well-known as TNR:
• TRAP
-
NEUTER (health-check, microchip, vaccinate and ear tip)
-
RELEASE /RELOCATE
We believe this is certainly the way forward to make sure the cats are fully health checked and, depending on the temperament of the cat, we assess whether they can be rehoused to a home environment. Alternatively, many feral cats thrive in a suitable outdoor home where the cats’ needs will be understood and respected.
Whilst feral/ community cats do have tendencies to want to live a somewhat different life, it is extremely important to remember that they still require a level of care and correct nutrition to enable them to lead a happy and healthy life. We work with farms, stables and landowners to identify a suitable environment for colonies to be relocated to which will ensure their ongoing safety and care.
We have taken on various TNR projects this year across the county which has seen us neuter a total of 239 feral cats, which have either been returned to their original site if a regular feeding routine is in place, relocated or rehomed.
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Wisteria Cat Rescue (Charity number 1191376)
Trustees’ report For the year ended 31 August 2023
2023 Achievements
This year our key achievements were:
-
311 cats rehomed
-
521 cats fed and neutered through our community support work
-
427 cats microchipped through our free microchipping service
Sadly with everything positive there are also times when, through the guidance of veterinary professionals, we are unable to save all of the animals who come into our care. We therefore relieved the suffering of 11 cats this year, when their pain cannot be controlled the kindest thing is to allow them to rest most certainly with dignity. As a rescue we are not against euthanasia, so long as all other avenues have been addressed and is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If the animal is suffering and the suffering cannot be controlled, then we must do what is right for that animal.
Plans for future periods
We will continue to develop our cattery buildings at the rescue to extend our space available to take more cats in for rehoming, with dedicated volunteers providing round the clock care.
We also hope to launch a neutering clinic for owned cats in the community, helping to control the population of cats and reduce home breeding.
Financial review
a. Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
b. Reserves policy
The Charity held reserves of £253,080 at the year end (2022: £164,783), consisting mostly of cash at bank, which will be used to fund the Charity’s activities. The reserves are all unrestricted and held to meet the Charitable objectives.
c. Results
At the year end our net surplus was £88,297 which compares to a net surplus of £106,614 for the previous year. We have strengthened our financial position throughout the year with general unrestricted funds at the year end of £256,080. Our main income stream in 2023 remains donations, achieved through exceptional public support which has allowed us to cover our increasing expenditure.
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Wisteria Cat Rescue (Charity number 1191376)
Trustees’ report For the year ended 31 August 2023
Costs have increased year on year as a result of caring for more cats throughout the year, coupled with the impact of a full year of high inflation. Expenditure in the year was £133,798 compared to £84,000 in 2022. The Trustees are focused on ensuring value for money whilst still providing the best care for the animals.
Volunteers
The rescue relies entirely on volunteers, since there are no paid members of staff. Without the time given by our volunteers such as fosterers, drivers, socialisers, admin and cat cleaners, the charity would struggle to get through its day-to-day activities. We never imagined the number of cats we would be able to help, which would not be possible without the support we receive. We are therefore incredibly grateful for all our volunteers’ hard work and support.
Principal funding
The principal funding of the charity is derived from donations from the public and adoption fees. The charity has also received grants within the year.
Structure, governance and management
a. Constitution
Wisteria Cat Rescue is governed by its CIO Association Constitution dated 21 September 2020 and is a registered charity number 1191376.
b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
Trustees are elected at Trustee meetings under the terms of the Constitution.
c. Organisation structure and decision making
The role of the board of trustees is to set the charity’s strategic direction, monitor the delivery of its objectives, uphold its values and governance and make decisions that leads the the charity towards achieving its vision and purpose.
d. Risk management
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the charity, and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate our exposure to the major risks.
e. Related party relationships
None of our trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the charity. Any connection between a trustee of the charity with any business or activities of the charity must be disclosed to the full board of trustees in the same way as any other contractual relationship with a related party. See note 11 for information regarding related party transactions.
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Wisteria Cat Rescue (Charity number 1191376)
Trustees’ report For the year ended 31 August 2023
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
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 period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
-
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
• state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
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 adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity’s transactions and 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 constitution. 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.
This report was approved by the Trustees on 29 June 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
Billy-Joe Devitt Trustee
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Wisteria Cat Rescue (Charity number 1191376)
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Wisteria Cat Rescue ('the Charity') For the year ended 31 August 2023
I report to the Charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 August 2023.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with 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) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019.
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:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts 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 accounts to be reached.
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Wisteria Cat Rescue (Charity number 1191376)
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Wisteria Cat Rescue ('the Charity') For the year ended 31 August 2023
This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed: S Cheverton ACA
Dated: 29 June 2024
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Wisteria Cat Rescue (Charity number 1191376)
Statement of financial activities (incorporating income and expenditure account) As at 31 August 2023
| Note Income from: Donations 2 Charitable activities 2 Other trading activities 2 Investment income 2 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 3 Charitable activities 4 Total expenditure Net income for the year Transfer between funds 8 Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
2023 Unrestricted Funds 2023 Restricted Funds 2023 Total 2022 Total £ £ £ £ 165,262 - 165,262 152,035 22,924 - 22,924 36,430 8,389 25,360 33,749 1,729 160 - 160 - |
|---|---|
| 196,735 25,360 222,095 190,194 |
|
| 13,297 - 13,297 - 100,407 20,094 120,501 84,000 |
|
| 113,704 20,094 133,798 84,000 |
|
83,031 5,266 88,297 106,194 5,266 (5,266) - - 88,297 - 88,297 106,194 164,783 - 164,783 58,589 88,297 - 88,297 106,194 |
|
| 253,080 - 253,080 164,783 |
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Wisteria Cat Rescue (Charity number 1191376)
Balance sheet As at 31 August 2023
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 5 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Debtors 6 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 7 Net current assets Net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 8 Unrestricted funds 8 Total funds |
181,362 6,154 |
2023 £ 71,302 181,778 |
103,310 7,821 |
2022 £ 53,735 111,048 164,783 - 164,783 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 187,516 (5,738) |
111,131 (83) |
|||
| 253,080 | ||||
| - 253,080 |
||||
| 253,080 | 164,783 |
Signed on behalf of the Trustees
………………………………….. B Devitt Date: 29 June 2024
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Wisteria Cat Rescue (Charity number 1191376)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 August 2023
1. Accounting policies
1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) – 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), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
Wisteria Cat Rescue meets the definition of a public entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
Monetary values are rounded to the nearest whole £1.
1.2 Going concern
The Trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate, i.e., whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern. The Trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of at least one year from the date of authorisation for issue of the financial statements and have concluded that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and there are no material uncertainties about the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Income and debtors
Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) 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 the 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 is recognised at the time of the donation.
1.4 Expenditure and liabilities
Expenditure and liabilities are recognised in the SoFA as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Charity to pay out resources.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity’s objectives.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
1.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets costing £500 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition are included in the measurement of cost.
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Wisteria Cat Rescue (Charity number 1191376)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 August 2023
Depreciation is charged on the following bases:
| Outbuildings | - Over 5 years (remainder of the lease term) |
|---|---|
| Fixtures & fittings | - Over 5 years |
| Motor vehicles | - Over 5 years |
| Office equipment | - Over 4 years |
1.6 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Trust and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
1.7 Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The Charity does not have any key sources of estimation or uncertainty which require disclosure.
2. Analysis of incoming resources
| Donations income Donations Grants Charitable activities Adoption income Pet insurance commission Other trading activities Fundraising activities Sale of donated goods Investment income Bank interest Total incoming resources |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Restricted funds 2023 £ Total funds 2023 £ Total funds 2022 £ 143,177 - 143,177 113,035 22,085 - 22,085 39,000 |
|---|---|
| 165,262 - 165,262 152,035 |
|
| 22,700 - 22,700 36,430 224 - 224 - |
|
| 22,924 - 22,924 36,430 |
|
| 7,215 25,360 32,575 816 1,174 - 1,174 913 |
|
| 8,389 25,360 33,749 1,729 |
|
| 160 - 160 - |
|
| 196,735 25,360 222,095 190,194 |
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Wisteria Cat Rescue (Charity number 1191376)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 August 2023
3. Costs of raising funds
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | funds | |
| 2023 | 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Fundraising events | 13,297 | - | 13,297 | - |
| 4. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities | ||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | |
| funds | funds | funds | funds | |
| 2023 | 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Charitable activities | ||||
| Veterinary supplies & | 41,084 | 20,094 | 61,178 | 61,065 |
| services | ||||
| Animal food & supplies | 5,740 | - | 5,740 | 4,773 |
| Vehicle running costs | 4,533 | - | 4,533 | 2,975 |
| Light & heat | 1,800 | - | 1,800 | 1,800 |
| Storage costs | 2,724 | - | 2,724 | 1,955 |
| Insurance | 1,434 | - | 1,434 | 1,825 |
| Cremation | 502 | - | 502 | 376 |
| Microchipping | 388 | - | 388 | 1,327 |
| Grooming | 50 | - | 50 | 160 |
| Website costs | 1,762 | - | 1,762 | 1,454 |
| Sundry expenses | 885 | - | 885 | 561 |
| Depreciation | 9,603 | - | 9,603 | 4,921 |
| Card reader & Justgiving | 1,729 | - | 1,722 | 378 |
| fees | ||||
| Office costs | 909 | - | 909 | 430 |
| Rent | 14,400 | - | 14,400 | - |
| Loss on disposal of assets | 11,470 | - | 10,899 | - |
| Repairs & maintenance | 1,253 | - | 1,253 | - |
| Waste disposal | 141 | - | 141 | - |
| Total charitable activities | 100,407 | 20,094 | 120,501 | 84,000 |
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Wisteria Cat Rescue (Charity number 1191376)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 August 2023
5. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost at 1 September 2022 Additions Disposals Cost at 31 August 2023 Depreciation at 1 September 2022 Charge for the year Disposals Depreciation at 31 August 2023 Net book value at 1 September 2022 Net book value at 31 August 2023 |
Outbuildings Fixtures & fittings Motor vehicles Assets under construction Total £ £ £ £ £ 20,245 1,456 37,323 - 59,024 41,453 3,150 - 1,748 46,351 (20,245) (856) - - (21,101) |
|---|---|
| 41,453 3,750 37,323 1,748 84,274 |
|
| 1,312 278 3,699 - 5,289 1,580 559 7,465 - 9,603 (1,636) (285) - - (1,921) |
|
| 1,256 552 11,164 - 12,971 |
|
| 18,933 1,178 33,624 - 53,735 |
|
| 40,197 3,198 26,159 1,748 71,303 |
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Wisteria Cat Rescue (Charity number 1191376)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 August 2023
6. Debtors
| Due within one year Accrued income 7. Creditors: amounts falling due within Trade creditors Accruals |
2023 £ 6,154 one year 2023 £ 5,731 7 5,738 |
2022 £ 7,821 2022 £ 83 - |
|---|---|---|
| 83 |
8. Statement of funds
Statement of funds – current year
| Unrestricted funds General fund Designated funds Tangible assets Building fund Restricted funds Cattery Vet bills Total funds |
Balance at 1 September 2022 £ Income £ Expenditure £ Transfers in/out £ Balance at 31 August 2023 £ 111,048 196,735 (104,101) (51,905) 151,777 |
|---|---|
| 53,735 - (9,603) 27,171 71,303 - - - 30,000 30,000 |
|
| 53,735 - (9,603) 57,171 101,303 |
|
| - 5,266 - (5,266) - - 20,094 (20,094) - - |
|
| - 25,360 (20,094) (5,266) - |
|
| 164,783 222,095 (133,798) - 253,080 |
Building fund
The Trustees have designated funds to continue the development of the new site with a new hospital block and office.
Cattery fund
The charity fundraised towards the new cattery blocks being built at the rescue’s new site, which was spent in the year and held in fixed assets.
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Wisteria Cat Rescue (Charity number 1191376)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 August 2023
Vet bills
The charity ran specific fundraisers for vet bills during the year, all of which were spent in the year.
Statement of funds – prior year (restated)
| Unrestricted funds General fund Designated funds Tangible assets Restricted funds Cat Ambulance Total funds |
Balance at 1 September 2021 £ Income £ Expenditure £ Transfers in/out £ Balance at 31 August 2022 £ 46,899 160,194 (79,079) (16,966) 111,048 11,690 - (4,921) 46,966 53,735 - 30,000 - (30,000) - |
|---|---|
| 58,589 190,194 (84,000) - 164,783 |
Cat Ambulance Fund
The charity received a grant in the year to contribute to the cost of a new Cat Ambulance which was bought in the year and held in fixed assets.
9. Operating lease commitments
At 31 August 2023 the Charity had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:
| Not later than 1 year Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years |
2023 £ 19,200 43,200 62,400 |
2022 £ - - |
|---|---|---|
| - |
10. Trustees’ remuneration and expenses
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2022: £nil).
During the year ended 31 August 2023, one Trustee was reimbursed expenses of £4,958 in relation to them being able to obtain more favourable rates for building materials (2022: £nil).
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Wisteria Cat Rescue (Charity number 1191376)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 August 2023
11. Related party transactions
During the year, B Devitt and G Merchant jointly provided land under a rental agreement with the charity totalling £14,400. The rent was agreed under normal market conditions whereby neither these trustees, nor T Devitt (father of B Devitt), were involved in the decision-making process regarding negotiations of the lease.
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