Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO
Charity no. 1209359
# **Report and Unaudited Financial Statements**
**31 December 2025**
## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Reference and administrative details**
|**For the year ended 31 December 2025**|**For the year ended 31 December 2025**|||
|---|---|---|---|
|**Charity number**|1209359|||
|**Registered office and**|RSPCA South West Somerset Branch|||
|**operational address**|64 Bridge Street|||
||Taunton|||
||Somerset|||
||TA1 1UD|||
|**Trustees**|The trustees who served during the year and up to||the date of this report|
||were as follows:|||
||Jenny Christopher|Chair||
||Karen Gigg|Chair / Treasurer||
||Alex Chandler|Secretary||
||Mariota Kittermaster|Resigned 1 September|2025|
||Michelle Johnston|||
||Richard Remington|Co-opted 4 October 2025||
|**Branch Welfare Voucher**|Sue Percival
|||
|**Administration**|Steph Heide|||
||Kathryn O’Connor|||
||Natalie Heed|||
|**Branch Manager**|Natalie Head|||
|**Shop managers**|Glyn Trapnell|To April 2025||
||Carly Latifi|June 2025 onwards||
||Jenny Casey|To August 2025||
||Kat Dziadek|August 2025 onwards||
||Henrietta Folkes|||
||Emma Cook|||
|**Assistant shop**|Kat Dziadek|To August 2025||
|**managers**|Joyce Erskine|||
||Shayla Male|August 2025 onwards||
||Sue Searle|||
|**Branch Partnership**|Various cover across the year|||
|**Manager**||||
|**Bankers**|CAF Bank Limited|Lloyds Bank|NatWest Bank|
||25 Kings Hill Avenue|120 Lewisham High|10 East Street|
||Kings Hill|Street|Ilminster|
||West Maling|Lewisham|Somerset|
||Kent|London|TA19 0AA|
||ME19 4JQ|SE13 6JG||
1
## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Reference and administrative details**
**For the year ended 31 December 2025**
**Independent examiners** Godfrey Wilson Limited Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD
2
## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Report of the trustees**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Constitution and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities (effective from January 2019).
## **Structure, governance and management Constitution**
On the 31 July 2024 a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) was established and on the 31st December 2024 all the assets and liabilities were transferred from the unincorporated charity, RSPCA South West Somerset Branch (205655) to the CIO, RSPCA South West Somerset Branch CIO (1209359). The CIO is controlled by its governing document, the constitution, which was signed in December 2024.
The CIO’s first Annual General Meeting has been scheduled for 25 June 2026, which falls within 18 months of the CIO commencing operations and trading activities. However, following a subsequent review of the constitutional and regulatory requirements applicable to the conversion from the former unincorporated charity to the CIO, it was identified that the 18-month period should have been calculated from the CIO’s date of registration rather than from the date trading activities commenced. This arose as a procedural oversight during the transfer of assets and liabilities from the unincorporated charity to the CIO. The trustees have reviewed the matter and are taking steps to ensure that future governance and reporting requirements are complied with in accordance with the CIO constitution and applicable charity law.
## **Organisational structure**
The Branch is governed by a committee of trustees who are elected at the AGM. All trustees are briefed on their responsibilities as trustees prior to their acceptance of the role.
The trustees hold regular meetings at which decisions are made. Day to day running of the Branch is delegated to the Branch Manager, and the day to day running of the Branch charity shops is delegated to the Shop Managers.
## **Related party relationships**
The Branch operates within a national network of organisations that pursue the same objectives and which are collectively known as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (the RSPCA).
The network comprises independent branches operating within a defined geographical area for the purposes of fundraising and the provision of animal care facilities and treatments. A regional structure also exists that is overseen on a national basis. This structure provides a team of specialist Inspectors and coordinates the policies and objectives of the branches. Representatives of the branches, regional and national organisations meet on an annual basis as a forum to consider all issues affecting animal welfare; and to develop policies for the future pursuit of their common aims.
The Branch also has links with other organisations committed to the same objectives.
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## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Report of the trustees**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
## **Risk management**
The trustees actively review the risks, which the Branch faces on a regular basis through regular meetings of the trustees that cover operational and financial reviews. The main risks to which the charity is exposed have been identified as:
- Inability to operate animal and fundraising facilities because of fire or other destruction;
- Loss of key personnel;
- Loss of reputation through error or fraud;
- Loss of income through error, fraud or outside forces;
- Insufficient funds to cover the costs of animal welfare activities;
- Insufficient trustees to continue;
- Insufficient volunteers to fundraise;
- Risk of claims against volunteers;
- Risk of claims by volunteers or the public;
- Adverse publicity; and
- Risk of adverse performance of investment markets in respect of the share portfolio held.
## **Trustee induction and training**
Every prospective trustee is provided with information about the work of the Branch and invited to attend one or more meetings as an observer. Training is offered as appropriate to trustees, however, with many volunteers working full or part time, requests for take up tends to be low.
## **Key management personnel remuneration**
The trustees consider that the board of trustees comprise the key management personnel of the charity in charge of the directing and controlling of the charity. The operation of the charity on a day to day basis is delegated to the Branch Manager. All trustees give of their time freely and no trustee remuneration was paid in the year. Details of trustee expenses and related party transactions are disclosed in notes 9 and 23 of these accounts.
Trustees are required to disclose all relevant interests and register them and in accordance with the charity’s policy, withdraw from decisions where a conflict of interest arises.
## **Membership**
Members living in the Branch area who join the National Society automatically become members of the Branch. At 31 December 2025 the Branch had 82 members (2024: 89). Each member is entitled to a vote at the Branch annual general meeting after completing three months membership, and at any extraordinary general meeting which might be held.
## **Objectives and activities for the Public Benefit**
The objects of the Branch are to promote the work and objects of the National Society, whose vision is a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion and whose mission is to prevent cruelty, promote kindness and alleviate the suffering of all animals.
The trustees have reviewed the outcomes and achievements of the Branch objectives and activities for the year to ensure they remain focussed on the charity’s aims and continue to deliver benefits to the public. The trustees have complied with the duty under the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission. This can be illustrated as follows:
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## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Report of the trustees**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
## **Advancement of animal welfare**
Under the Charities Act 2011, the advancement of animal welfare is recognised as a distinct statutory charitable purpose. This legislation and the Animal Welfare Act 2006 indicate an acceptance by society that treating living creatures with compassion has a moral benefit for the public as a whole. Whilst this public benefit is clear, it is sometimes difficult to quantify and must be balanced against any detriment.
The Branch animal welfare work, although local in nature, benefits society at large and aims to help people in need with the care of their animals. The next section of this report highlights the main Branch activities and demonstrates the benefit provided to the public (in italics). All our charitable activities, as described in more detail in the following pages of this report, focus on promoting kindness and preventing or suppressing cruelty to animals and are undertaken to further these purposes for the public benefit.
## **Charitable activities pursued for the public benefit.**
- 1 We support our local Inspectors by providing funds for the emergency treatment of animals which they consider will suffer as a result of inaction by the owners, or where the owners cannot be identified, or the animal has strayed or been abandoned. This includes pets whose owners suffer ill health or financial difficulties or pass away. In 2025 we provided all our local Inspectors with welfare vouchers and equipment which they can use to financially assist clients with the veterinary care of their animals. **This helped 67 animals.** _The National Society’s inspectorate (as well as providing education, information and advice) rescue animals in distress and enforce laws against the cruel mistreatment of animals in England and Wales by bringing prosecutions. This work is key to ‘the prevention or suppression of cruelty’ part of the RSPCA objects and promotes humane sentiments towards animals which involves moral benefit to humankind._
- 2 We provide subsidised veterinary treatment for animals which are sick or injured and belong to local people on low incomes. We do this through a voucher scheme in association with veterinary practices within the Branch area. This service is currently administered by three volunteers and the Branch Manager. **In 2025 we issued veterinary welfare vouchers in support of 317 local animals.** _This work benefits those on means tested benefits by giving them financial help to obtain care for companion animals in need of veterinary treatment._
- 3 We provide subsidised neutering of companion animals for those in the Branch area on low incomes. We do this through a voucher scheme in association with veterinary practices within the Branch area and through specific neuter campaigns. **In 2025 we helped to neuter 209 animals (197 in 2024).** _This work helps to control cat/dog populations through neutering and benefits those on low incomes by giving them financial help to neuter and micro-chip companion animals, thereby promoting responsible pet ownership._
- 4 We support through funding the neutering, vaccination and initial veterinary costs of stray dogs collected by local authority dog wardens within the Branch area; which if unclaimed by their owners are subsequently re-homed through the local animal welfare organisation, St Giles Animal Welfare. Due to other funding this support ended in June 2025. **In 2025 we helped with support for 52 stray dogs (49 in 2024).** _This work benefits our local community (including local authorities) by preventing animals straying and posing a risk to themselves and to people through road traffic accidents._
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## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Report of the trustees**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
- 5 We support through funding the neutering and any immediate veterinary treatment of feral cat colonies through TNR projects (Trap, Neuter, Release). **In 2025 we assisted with 15 cats (9 in 2024).** _This work helps to control feral cat populations through neutering and reduces animal suffering. This also provides a benefit to local communities preventing growing populations of feral cats_ .
- 6 We support the microchipping and identification of public owned cats and dogs through our voucher scheme and community engagement events. **In 2025 we assisted with the microchipping of 34 cats.** _This work benefits the local community as well as those on low incomes to identify and return stray animals to their owners._
- 7 We support West Hatch Animal Centre by offering equipment or funds by request. _The public benefits from knowing that we are assisting wildlife and companion animals in desperate need of care and compassion within the Branch area._
- 8 In 2025 we funded a part time community outreach officer based at West Hatch to work alongside their community engagement manager **reaching over 17,000 people** within the year. _The public benefits from workshops and education outreach regarding animal welfare and prevention of cruelty to animals._
- 9 We respond to enquiries (both direct and via the society’s national control centre) from the public about animals locally. _The public benefits from knowing that we can intervene to assist animals in need._
- 10 Within the terms of our governing document, we support the national society, other RSPCA branches and other local animal welfare charities by providing funds or loans for use in major building projects, such as kennels. _The public benefits from increased local resources for dealing with mistreated or abandoned animals including pets of owners who suffer ill health or financial difficulties or pass away._
- 11 We provide volunteering opportunities for those who wish to support our work, including trusteeship, retailing and fundraising. _This benefits local people and companies by providing the possibility of doing work which is compassionate and rewarding._
- 12 We offer free animal care advice by the provision of leaflets and booklets from information points within our Branch charity shops. _The public benefits through the promotion of responsible pet ownership._
## **Achievements and performance**
The Branch has continued to trade from all four of its shops throughout 2025. After the initial shortterm lease on the new Bridgwater location this was extended, still on a short term basis but has allowed us to continue trading in a town centre location. The shop is performing well and the size allows us to work with the education team based at West Hatch to run regular engagement sessions in the school holidays.
Sadly our Wellington shop suffered some fairly major building maintenance issues at the start of the year. Due to the extent of the building issues the shop needed to be closed and so we took the opportunity to clear through the shop and refresh for a new opening which was in June 2025. Our new Manager joined us soon after opening and we hope to increase trade through the next year.
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## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Report of the trustees**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
High street footfall is a real challenge, this coupled with increasing costs associated with the shops as well as people generally being more savvy with reselling means the shops are now tougher to make profitable than ever. The next year will be to focus on increasing revenue through alternative streams and ensuring we are making the most of all our retail space, including online.
We have again seen a significant increase in demand for support for assistance with veterinary fees through our welfare line as the increase in the cost-of-living impacts pet owners. We are seeing a rise in larger bills due to the cost of living combined with an increase in the cost of veterinary care.
We would like to thank all our staff and volunteers for their hard work throughout the year in keeping our shops trading and their continued support throughout. The current climate and changes in staff have meant some challenging times but all have operated well.
The trustees and Branch Manager are continuing to monitor the position of the shops and welfare need and are acting where appropriate and with the level of reserves are satisfied that the charity remains a going concern.
We have also funded a part time Community Outreach Officer at the West Hatch Education hub which continues to be an exciting opportunity for us to work with them and develop preventative work in our Branch area, through education and outreach projects. Over 17,000 people were reached through this work in 2025.
## **Significant activities**
This year the Branch has supported:
- Locally owned animals through our Veterinary Voucher scheme;
- Animals via our local Branch Inspectorate voucher scheme fund;
- Stray dogs from our area at St Giles Animal Rescue Centre;
- Neutering support for local feral colonies; and
- Funding of a West Hatch Education Officer.
The Branch has also continued fundraising through:
- Our RSPCA charity shops;
- Collection boxes situated in local businesses;
- Online appeals via our website and social media; and
- Online sales from charity shop donations.
## **Financial review**
## **Retail**
Our fundraising shops at Bridgwater, Chard, Taunton and Wellington continue to provide the main source of operational income for the Branch supplemented by online sales to match public spending and shopping habits
Net income from the retail operation was £5,690 (2024: net income £24,515).
## **Non-retail**
Other income received by the Branch amounted to £151,539 (2024: £91,561) which represented an increase in income of £59,978. Included in this other income is legacy income of £70,684 (2024: £45,283). The branch spent £103,189 (2024: £54,893) on providing animal welfare in the year.
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## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Report of the trustees**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
In overall terms there was a net surplus of £47,686 in the year compared to a net surplus of £62,478 in 2024.
## **Fundraising**
The Branch benefits from the funds raised through collection boxes situated at a few premises with South West Somerset. Our thanks are extended to all the organisations, businesses, individuals and volunteers who have supported our fundraising efforts this year. We also receive a small amount of donations via ‘Give as you earn’ and monthly supporter donations as well as online social media related donations.
## **Reserves policy**
The Branch aims to hold sufficient reserves to be able to continue the charity’s work for the foreseeable future by holding at least two years running costs. The trustees consider it prudent that, given the uncertainty of the income stream from year to year, which is dependent on shop sales, unrestricted reserves should be sufficient to cover ongoing operational and support costs. Any additional funds held are to be applied to run animal welfare programmes. The free reserves at 31 December 2025, being unrestricted reserves, less fixed assets and investments were £535,892 (2024: £479,092) of which £Nil (2024: £45,233) has been designated for the education hub at West Hatch.
## **Investment policy**
The Branch holds an investment portfolio managed by Rowan Dartington. At 31 December 2025 these investments had a market value of £250,855.
## **Plans for future periods**
The Branch will continue with the following:
- Offering a subsidised veterinary welfare voucher scheme for local animals;
- Providing a local Inspectorate fund for animal neutering and welfare vouchers including the neutering of feral cat colonies;
- Offering support to the RSPCA West Hatch Animal centre;
- Working with our neighbours at RSPCA North Somerset branch to rehome animals from our Branch area via Brent Knoll Animal Centre and with the National Society to rehome via the West Hatch Animal Centre; and
- • Working with West Hatch Community Engagement Manager and Education Officer for provision of community education and outreach.
## **Statement of responsibilities of the trustees**
The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (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 the incoming resources and application of resources, including the net income or expenditure, of the charity for the year. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:
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## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Report of the trustees**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- 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 proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which 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. The trustees 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.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Members of the charity have no liability to contribute to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. The trustees are members of the charity but this entitles them only to voting rights. The trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity.
## **Independent examiners**
Godfrey Wilson Limited were appointed as independent examiners to the charity during the year and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.
Approved by the trustees on 22 May 2026 and signed on their behalf by
Karen Gigg - Trustee
9
## **Independent examiner's report**
## **To the trustees of**
## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO (the CIO) for the year ended 31 December 2025, which are set out on pages 11 to 28.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity trustees of the CIO 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 the CIO’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
Since the CIO’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
- (1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the CIO as required by section 130 of the Act; or (2) the accounts do not accord with those records; or
- (3) 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.
Date: 26 May 2026
**William Guy Blake Member of the ICAEW Godfrey Wilson Limited** Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD
10
## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Statement of financial activities**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
|Restricted Unrestricted
Note
£
£
**Income from:**
Donations and legacies
3
-
74,250
Charitable activities
4
36,586
-
Other trading activities
5
-
240,285
Investments
6
-
19,605
**Total income**
36,586
334,140
**Expenditure on:**
Raising funds
-
233,576
Charitable activities
36,586
73,663
**Total expenditure**
7
36,586
307,239
Net gains on investments
13
-
20,785
**Net income and net movement in funds**
-
47,686
**Reconciliation of funds:**
Total funds brought forward
-
757,115
**Total funds carried forward**
-
804,801|**2025**
**Total**
**£**
**74,250**
**36,586**
**240,285**
**19,605**
**370,726**
**233,576**
**110,249**
**343,825**
**20,785**
**47,686**
**757,115**
**804,801**|Restated
2024
Total
£
50,709
1,608
253,493
17,216|
|---|---|---|
|||323,026|
|||218,594
57,742|
|||276,336|
|||15,788|
|||62,478
694,637|
|||757,115|
All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in note 19 to the accounts.
Prior period income and expenditure have been reclassified to reflect the requirements of the Charities SORP (FRS 102) and to be comparable with the current year. The restatements are purely reclassifications of income and expenditure and do not affect net income.
11
## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Balance sheet**
## **As at 31 December 2025**
|Note
**Fixed assets**
Tangible assets
12
Investments
13
**Current assets**
Stock
14
Debtors
15
Cash at bank and in hand
**Liabilities**
Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year
16
**Net current assets**
**Net assets**
18
**Funds**
19
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
General funds
**Total charity funds**|**£**
**580**
**78,771**
**465,224**
**544,575**
**8,683**|**2025**
**£**
**18,054**
**250,855**
**268,909**
**535,892**
**804,801**
**-**
**-**
**804,801**
**804,801**|Restated
2024
£
5,327
227,463|
|---|---|---|---|
||||232,790
1,046
51,417
503,343|
||||555,806
31,481|
||||524,325|
||||757,115
-
45,233
711,882|
||||757,115|
Approved by the trustees on 22 May 2026 and signed on their behalf by
Karen Gigg - Trustee
12
## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Notes to the financial statements**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
**1. Accounting policies**
## **a) General information and basis of preparation**
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO is an charitable incorporated organisation registered in England and Wales. The registered office address is RSPCA SW Somerset office, 64 Bridge Street, Taunton, TA1 1UD.
The financial statements have been prepared 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) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
On 31 July 2024, RSPCA South West Somerset Branch (205655) commenced a process to transfer its assets and activities to RSPCA South West Somerset Branch CIO, a newly registered charity (1209359). Both entities have the same trustees and charitable objects, and the transfer therefore qualifies for merger accounting.
Although some transactions were undertaken by RSPCA South West Somerset Branch during the year ended 31 December 2025, the trustees have presented the combined financial results for both entities within the accounts of RSPCA South West Somerset Branch CIO to recognise that, in substance, the charity operated as a single entity during the year. The legal transfer of assets took place on 12 December 2024.
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.
## **b) Going concern basis of accounting**
The accounts have been prepared on the assumption that the charity is able to continue as a going concern, which the trustees consider appropriate having regard to the current level of unrestricted reserves. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
## **c) Income**
Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Income from the government and other grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.
13
## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Notes to the financial statements**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
## **1. Accounting policies (continued) c) Income (continued)**
For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the Trust that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor's intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.
## **d) Donated services and facilities**
Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item, is probable and the economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer time is not recognised.
On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.
## **e) Interest receivable**
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity: this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
## **f) Funds accounting**
Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.
## **g) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT**
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
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## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Notes to the financial statements**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
## **1. Accounting policies (continued)**
## **h) Allocation of support and governance costs**
Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Governance costs are the costs associated with the governance arrangements of the charity, including the costs of complying with constitutional and statutory requirements and any costs associated with the strategic management of the charity’s activities. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities based on the total expenditure for each category as follows:
|||Restated|
|---|---|---|
||**2025**|2024|
|Raising funds|**32.1%**|20.9%|
|Charitable activities|**67.9%**|79.1%|
## **i) Tangible fixed assets**
Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to its estimated residual value over its expected useful life. The depreciation rates in use are as follows:
Fixture, fittings and equipment 25% reducing balance Motor vehicles 25% reducing balance
Items of equipment are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £150.
## **j) Listed investments**
Investments in quoted shares, traded bonds and similar investments are measured initially at cost and subsequently at fair value (their market value). The statement of financial activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluations and disposals throughout the year. Listed investments also includes cash and cash equivalents held for re-investment purposes.
## **k) Stock**
Stock is valued at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell, after due regard for obsolete and slow moving stocks. Cost is determined using the first-in, firstout (FIFO).
Good donated by the general public to be sold in the shops operated by the charity are not included in the value of stock due to there being no practical method of determining the value prior to sale.
## **l) Debtors**
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
## **m) Cash at bank and in hand**
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. Cash held by the investment managers for the purposes of re-investments is included within listed investments on the balance sheet.
15
## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Notes to the financial statements**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
## **1. Accounting policies (continued)**
## **n) Creditors**
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
## **o) Financial instruments**
The trust only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
## **p) Pension costs**
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for its employees. There are no further liabilities other than that already recognised in the SOFA.
## **q) Accounting estimates and key judgements**
In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
The key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are depreciation as described in note i above.
16
## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Notes to the financial statements**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
## **2. Prior period comparatives: statement of financial activities**
|**Income from:**
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
**Total income**
**Expenditure on:**
Raising funds
Charitable activities
**Total expenditure**
Net gains on investments
**Net income and net movement in funds**
**3.**
**Income from donations and legacies**
Donations
Legacies
**Total income from donations and legacies**|Restricted
£
£
-
50,709
-
1,608
-
253,493
-
17,216
-
323,026
218,594
57,742
-
276,336
15,788
-
62,478
**2025**
**Total**
**£**
**3,566**
**70,684**
**74,250**
Unrestricted|Restated
2024
Total
£
50,709
1,608
253,493
17,216
323,026
218,594
57,742
276,336
15,788
62,478
2024
Total
£
5,426
45,283
50,709|
|---|---|---|
All income from donations was unrestricted in the current and prior year.
17
## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Notes to the financial statements**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
## **4. Income from charitable activities**
|Restricted
£
£
RSPCA HQ grants
14,967
-
RSPCA Regional Board grants
21,619
-
**Total income from charitable activities**
36,586
-
**Prior period comparative:**
Restricted
£
£
RSPCA HQ grants
-
1,608
**Total income from charitable activities**
-
1,608
**5.**
**Income from other trading activities**
**2025**
**Total**
**£**
RSPCA Branch shop income*
**219,187**
Flag days, house to house appeals
**20,520**
Give as you earn
**278**
Other
**300**
**Total income from other trading activities**
**240,285**
*RSPCA Branch shop income comprises:
**2025**
**Total**
**£**
Bridgwater
**79,098**
Chard
**43,156**
Taunton
**64,205**
Wellington
**31,566**
Online
**1,162**
**219,187**
All income from trading activities was unrestricted in the current and prior year.
Unrestricted
Unrestricted|**2025**
**Total**
**£**
**14,967**
**21,619**
**36,586**
2024
Total
£
1,608
1,608
2024
Total
£
231,465
21,816
212
-
253,493
2024
Total
£
72,934
37,886
71,416
47,801
1,428
231,465|
|---|---|
18
## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Notes to the financial statements**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
## **6. Income from investments**
|Bank interest
Dividend income|**2025**
**Total**
**£**
**15,447**
**4,158**
**19,605**|2024
Total
£
12,027
5,189
17,216|
|---|---|---|
All income from investments was unrestricted in the current and prior period.
## **7. Total expenditure**
|Goods purchased for resale
Expenses common to all shops
Van expenses
Investment management costs
Individual shop costs (note 8)
Branch contributions to regions
Neutering
Veterinary fees
Welfare assistance
Boarding fees
General insurance
Repairs and renewals
Telephone and postage
Printing and stationery
Accountancy
Payroll administration
Bank charges
IT software
Sundry expenses
Depreciation
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
**Sub-total**
**Total expenditure**
Allocation of support and
governance costs|Raising
funds
£
1,025
417
2,231
1,450
213,497
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
218,620
14,956
**233,576**|Charitable
activities
£
-
-
-
-
-
1,378
14,712
34,803
52,170
126
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
103,189
7,060
**110,249**|Support and
governance
costs
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,543
12,201
1,050
228
2,904
959
85
402
249
2,045
350
22,016
(22,016)
**-**|**2025 Total**
**£**
**1,025**
**417**
**2,231**
**1,450**
**213,497**
**1,378**
**14,712**
**34,803**
**52,170**
**126**
**1,543**
**12,201**
**1,050**
**228**
**2,904**
**959**
**85**
**402**
**249**
**2,045**
**350**
**343,825**
-
**343,825**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Total governance costs were £2,904 (2024: £3,000)
19
## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Notes to the financial statements**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
|**7.**
**Total expenditure (continued)**
**Prior period comparative**
Goods purchased for resale
Expenses common to all shops
Van expenses
Investment management costs
Employment allowance
Individual shop costs (note 8)
Branch contributions to regions
Neutering
Veterinary fees
General insurance
Telephone and postage
Printing and stationery
Legal and professional
Accountancy
Payroll administration
Bank charges
IT software
Sundry expenses
Depreciation
Profit on disposal of fixed assets
**Sub-total**
**Total expenditure**
Allocation of support and
governance costs|Raising
funds
£
1,928
376
1,895
1,661
(5,000)
206,950
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
207,810
10,784
**218,594**|Charitable
activities
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,378
12,942
40,573
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
54,893
2,849
**57,742**|Support and
governance
costs
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,572
1,051
116
4,783
3,000
663
60
347
385
1,677
(21)
13,633
(13,633)
**-**|Restated
2024 Total
£
1,928
376
1,895
1,661
(5,000)
206,950
1,378
12,942
40,573
1,572
1,051
116
4,783
3,000
663
60
347
385
1,677
(21)|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||276,336
-|
|||||**276,336**|
The allocation of support and governance costs between raising funds and charitable activity costs has been restated in line with the methodology applied in the current year.
20
## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Notes to the financial statements**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
|**8.**
**Individual shop costs**
Rent and insurance
Rates and water
Electricity
Telephone
Staff costs (note 10)
Repairs and maintenance
Legal and professional
Other
**Total expenditure**
**Prior period comparative**
Rent and insurance
Rates and water
Electricity
Telephone
Staff costs (note 10)
Repairs and maintenance
Other
**Total expenditure**|Bridgwater
£
12,000
308
4,712
487
39,613
-
-
2,623
**59,743**
Bridgwater
£
12,000
203
5,980
191
39,353
68
3,107
60,902|Chard
£
7,113
699
2,229
623
28,859
190
2,714
2,724
**45,151**
Chard
£
7,092
414
1,497
531
28,582
1,300
2,433
41,849|Taunton
£
13,835
1,037
3,542
1,287
39,570
188
-
3,404
**62,863**
Taunton
£
13,908
647
3,800
983
38,003
68
2,806
60,215|Wellington
£
7,585
753
1,939
528
27,061
5,243
-
2,431
**45,540**
Wellington
£
6,250
321
3,228
571
30,153
250
2,727
43,500|Online
£
-
-
200
-
-
-
-
-
**200**
Online
£
-
-
480
-
-
-
4
484|**2025 Total**
**£**
**40,533**
**2,797**
**12,622**
**2,925**
**135,103**
**5,621**
**2,714**
**11,182**
**213,497**
2024 Total
£
39,250
1,585
14,985
2,276
136,091
1,686
11,077
206,950|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
21
## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Notes to the financial statements**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
**9. Net movement in funds**
This is stated after charging:
|Loss / (profit) on disposal of fixed assets
Depreciation
Operating lease payments
Trustees' remuneration
Trustees' reimbursed expenses
Independent examiners' remuneration (excluding VAT):
Independent examination|**2025**
**£**
**350**
**2,045**
**38,050**
**Nil**
**Nil**
**2,600**|2024
£
(21)
1,677
38,050
Nil
Nil
3,000|
|---|---|---|
In common with other charities of our size and nature we use our independent examiners to assist with the preparation of the financial statements.
## **10. Staff costs and numbers**
Staff costs were as follows:
|Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Pension costs|**2025**
**£**
**132,652**
**549**
**1,902**
**135,103**|2024
£
125,940
8,353
1,798
136,091|
|---|---|---|
No employee earned more than £60,000 during the year.
The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Trustees. No key management personnel received any employee benefits in year or prior year.
|Average head count|**2025**
**No.**
**8**|2024
No.
8|
|---|---|---|
## **11. Taxation**
The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes.
22
## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Notes to the financial statements**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
## **12. Tangible fixed assets**
|**Cost**
At 1 January 2025
Additions in year
Disposals
At 31 December 2025
**Depreciation**
At 1 January 2025
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 31 December 2025
**Net book value**
**At 31 December 2025**
At 31 December 2024
**13. Investments**
Market value at 1 January
Additions
Disposals proceeds
Gains
**Market value at 31 December**
Cash held pending re-investment
**Market value at 31 December**
Investments comprise:
Listed investments
Cash and cash equivalents
**Total investments**|**£**
10,822
14,250
(10,822)
**14,250**
10,630
642
(10,678)
**594**
**13,656**
192
**Motor**
**vehicles**|**£**
42,516
872
(4,856)
**38,532**
37,381
1,403
(4,650)
**34,134**
**4,398**
5,135
**2025**
**£**
**222,733**
**104,526**
**(108,061)**
**20,785**
**239,983**
**10,872**
**250,855**
**239,983**
**10,872**
**250,855**
**Fixtures,**
**fittings &**
**equipment**|**Total**
**£**
**53,338**
**15,122**
**(15,678)**
**52,782**
**48,011**
**2,045**
**(15,328)**
**34,728**
**18,054**
5,327
Restated
2024
£
262,080
48,549
(103,684)
15,788
222,733
4,730
227,463
222,733
4,730
227,463|
|---|---|---|---|
23
## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Notes to the financial statements**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
## **13. Investments (continued)**
The restatement of 2024 figures is to reclassify £4,730 of cash held by the investment manager from cash at bank and in hand to be included within investments, reflecting a change in accounting policy.
## **14. Stock**
|New goods
**15. Debtors**
Trade debtors
Prepayments
Accrued income
Other debtors
**16. Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year**
Trade creditors
Accruals
Other taxation and social security
Deferred income (see note 17)
**17. Deferred income**
At 1 January
Deferred during the year
Released during the year
At 31 December|**2025**
**£**
**580**
**2025**
**£**
**963**
**7,602**
**65,037**
**5,169**
**78,771**
**2025**
**£**
**2,587**
**3,949**
**2,147**
**-**
**8,683**
**2025**
**£**
**21,619**
**-**
**(21,619)**
**-**|2024
£
1,046
2024
£
927
7,728
41,157
1,605
51,417
2024
£
3,622
6,240
-
21,619
31,481
2024
£
-
21,619
-
21,619|
|---|---|---|
Deferred income related to funding received in the prior year towards activities to take place in 2025.
24
## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Notes to the financial statements**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
## **18. Analysis of net assets between funds**
|Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Current assets
Current liabilities
**Net assets at 31 December 2025**
**Prior year comparative**
Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Current assets
Current liabilities
**Net assets at 31 December 2024**|£
-
-
-
-
**-**
£
-
-
-
-
-
Restricted
funds
Restricted
funds|£
-
-
-
-
**-**
£
-
-
45,233
-
45,233
Designated
funds
Designated
funds|£
18,054
250,855
544,575
(8,683)
**804,801**
£
5,327
227,463
510,573
(31,481)
711,882
General
funds
General
funds|**Total**
**funds**
**£**
**18,054**
**250,855**
**544,575**
**(8,683)**
**804,801**
Total
funds
£
5,327
227,463
555,806
(31,481)
757,115|
|---|---|---|---|---|
25
**Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
**Notes to the financial statements**
**For the year ended 31 December 2025**
|**19. Movements in funds**
**Restricted funds**
RSPCA HQ Grants
RSPCA Regional Board
**Total restricted funds**
_Designated funds:_
West Hatch education hub
_Total designated funds_
General funds
**Total unrestricted funds**
**Total funds**
**Purposes of designated funds**
West Hatch education hub
**Unrestricted funds**|At 1
January
2025
Income
Transfers
between
funds
**At 31**
**December**
**2025**
£
£
£
£
£
£
-
14,967
(14,967)
-
-
**-**
-
21,619
(21,619)
-
-
**-**
-
36,586
(36,586)
-
-
**-**
45,233
-
(45,233)
-
-
**-**
45,233
-
(45,233)
-
-
**-**
711,882
334,140
(262,006)
20,785
-
**804,801**
757,115
334,140
(307,239)
20,785
-
**804,801**
757,115
370,726
(343,825)
20,785
-
**804,801**
Net gains on
investments
Expenditure
The designated funds represent monies the trustees wish to spend on education hub
at West Hatch.|
|---|---|
26
**Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
**Notes to the financial statements**
**For the year ended 31 December 2025**
**19. Movements in funds (continued)**
**Purposes of restricted funds** RSPCA HQ Grants Funds received towards shop rebranding costs and multi-animal veterinary costs. RSPCA Regional Board Funds received towards neutering programmes. **Transfers** In the prior year the trustees designated £45,233 towards the education hub at West Hatch.
|**Prior year comparative**
_Designated funds:_
West Hatch education hub
_Total designated funds_
General funds
**Total unrestricted funds**
**Total funds**
**Unrestricted funds**|At 1
January
2024
£
-
-
694,637
694,637
694,637|Income
£
-
-
323,026
323,026
323,026|£
-
-
(276,336)
(276,336)
(276,336)
Expenditure|£
-
-
15,788
15,788
15,788
Net gains on
investments|Transfers
between
funds
£
45,233
45,233
(45,233)
-
-|At 31
December
2024
£
45,233
45,233
711,882
757,115
757,115|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
27
## **Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South West Somerset Branch CIO**
## **Notes to the financial statements**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2025**
## **20. Financial instruments at fair value**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
||||
|---|---|---|
|2025|2024|
|£|£|
|Financial assets measured at fair value|239,983|222,733|
**----- End of picture text -----**
Financial assets measured at fair value comprise listed investments.
## **21. Operating lease commitments**
The charity had operating leases at the year end with total future minimum lease payments as follows:
**----- Start of picture text -----**
||||
|---|---|---|
|2025|2024|
|£|£|
|Amount falling due:|
|Within 1 year|23,200|25,521|
|Within 1 - 5 years|27,017|6,022|
|50,217|31,543|
**----- End of picture text -----**
Each shop lease has a break clause as part of the agreement with the landlord. If the charity chose to initate the break cleases currently in place the total future minimum lease payments at 31 December 2025 would be £50,217 (2024: £31,543)
## **22. Contingent assets**
There are some legacies which have been notified to the charity at 31 December 2025 for which the amount receivable cannot be readily ascertained. These financial statements include payments received on account but not any estimates for future amounts receivable. Indications are that the estimated value of these potential legacies is in the region of £52k.
## **23. Related party transactions**
There were no related party transactions in the current or prior period.
28