REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Charity number: 205759 Trustees: Ms L Cormell (Chair) Mrs A Bowdley (Secretary) Mrs R Thomas (Treasurer) Mrs M Edwards Ms H Cain Mrs J Jones Mrs V Dodson Mrs D Roberts Ms D Bateman Ms L Shaffer
Principal address: RSPCA Stourbridge & District Branch PO Box 7381 DY8 9GX Auditors: DSE Accountants Shrubbery House 47 Prospect Hill Redditch B97 4BS Bankers: HSBC 114 High Street Stourbridge DY8 1DS
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The charity is constituted as an unincorporated association. The charity operates as an autonomous branch of the National RSPCA subject to its rules for branches (as updated in 2006). A Committee, elected at the AGM governs the branches, who are Trustees of the branch. 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.
The trustees actively review the risks, which the charity faces on a regular basis through regular meetings of the trustees that cover operational and financial reviews. The trustees also examine other operational and business risks which the branch face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks, which have been identified as:
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Having sufficient funds to cover the costs of animal welfare activities.
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Having a sufficient number of foster carers
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Having a sufficient number of trustees
OBJECTS AND PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT
The RSPCA Stourbridge and District Branch is an unincorporated charitable association and a separately registered branch of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (the Society), carrying out its direct animal welfare work in Stourbridge, Hagley and surrounding areas.
The objectives of the Branch are to promote the work and objectives of the Society - to promote kindness and to prevent or suppress cruelty to animals by all lawful means - with particular reference to the area of the Branch, in accordance with the policies of the Society.
The trustees have reviewed the outcomes and achievements of our objectives and activities for the year, to ensure they remain focused on our charitable aims, and continue to deliver benefits to the public. We have complied with the duty under the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Commission.
ADVANCEMENT OF ANIMAL WELFARE
Under the Charities Act 2006, the advancement of animal welfare is recognised as a distinct statutory charitable purpose. This legislation and the Animal Welfare Act of the same year 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’s animal welfare work, although local in nature, benefits society at large, and also aims to help people in need with the care of their animals. The next section of this report highlights the Branch’s main activities and demonstrates the benefit provided to the public. 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
We support our local Inspectors by taking in mistreated or abandoned animals. The Society’s Inspectorate (as well as providing education, information and
advice) rescues animals in distress and enforces laws against the cruel mistreatment of animals in England and Wales by bringing prosecutions.
We provide subsidised veterinary treatment for animals that are sick or injured and belong to local people on low incomes. We do this through liaison with vets.
We participate in a joint neutering scheme, with Cats Protection, run throughout the West Midlands and Wales. We also provide vouchers for free neutering for companion dogs on a case by case basis. This work helps to control cat/dog populations through neutering and benefits those on means tested benefits by giving them financial help to neuter and microchip companion animals, thereby promoting responsible pet ownership.
Animals in our care receive veterinary treatment, vaccination, neutering, microchipping and are assessed for rehoming. This work helps to control the incidence and spread of disease and suffering through vaccination and neutering.
We rehome animals in need at low cost to people willing and able to have a companion animal . Our policy to charge a reasonable adoption fee for animals aims to highlight the ongoing personal and financial commitment of pet ownership. It would not be in the best interests of animals, and therefore would fall outside our objectives, to rehome to those who could not afford them .
We take in, free of charge, lost animals and take steps to reunite them with owners. This work benefits our local community by preventing animals straying and posing a risk to themselves and to people through road traffic accidents.
We respond to enquiries (both direct and via the Society’s national call centre) from the public about animals locally. The public benefits from knowing that we can intervene to assist animals in need.
We offer free animal care advice by telephone, internet or referral to professionals e.g. veterinary surgeons. The public benefits through the promotion of responsible pet ownership .
We provide volunteering opportunities for those who wish to support our work, including trusteeship, fostering and fundraising. This benefits local people and companies by providing the possibility of doing work that is compassionate and rewarding.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The Stourbridge and District Branch’s animal welfare work during 2020 has included rescuing and rehoming various unwanted animals, advice and financial help with veterinary costs. We have a dedicated group of fosterers who enable us to continue with our vital rehoming work. In 2020 we rehomed 44 cats. This is fewer than 2019 (53) but believe that this reduction was due in most part to Covid restrictions, along with the nature of the cats we had in our care.
During 2020 we have continued to work hard at our social media presence, especially because of the restrictions brought about by Covid. We have seen our followers on both the Facebook and twitter sites continue to increase, and we
now have a channel on Instagram. We also have a YouTube Channel where the public can see videos of animals available for adoption. Through these sites, we continue to create a greater awareness of the branch, giving out regular advice on animal welfare issues, promoting the animals in our care who need homes, advertising lost and found pets and answering lots of messages on animal related issues.
In 2020, we faced the challenge of government Covid restrictions, so have moved fundraising online exclusively. This has not only brought in funds for the Branch but raised awareness of the Branch in the local area.
We have continued to nurture the relationship we have with the online Pet retailer who makes regular pallet donations of food and litter, this allows us to ensure our own fosterers are always well stocked with dry food and litter.
During 2020 we have continued to update our website to make it more accessible and current. We have 2 volunteers who now maintain it regularly.
In 2020 we have also continued to use the main RSPCA website for advertising our animals needing homes and are still finding that a good resource.
One of our aims is always to recruit more fosterers. This remains a focus as its difficult to find good foster homes, however we were successful in recruiting 5 new fosterers during 2020, along with a fosterer who took on end of life care for an elderly cat.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The total incoming resources for the year amounted to £37,366 (2019 £45,257) Expenditure in the year amounted to £46,004 (2019 £51,201) The deficit for the year was £8,638.
This year incoming revenue was still low compared to expenditure however due to the large legacies left to the branch in 2015/16 however this is currently not a cause for concern
RESERVES POLICY
The Branch Trustees regularly monitor financial balances and recognise from time to time they need to cut back on expenditure as necessary until sufficient funds have been raised to supplement these balances.
However due to the legacies received we are in the fortunate position that we now have reserves in the bank to cover us for at least the next 3 years. The Branch however are aware that even though they are in a fortunate position currently, they cannot rest on their laurels and must continue to promote awareness of the branch and the work it does, to ensure funding opportunities present themselves again when necessary.
INVESTMENT POLICY
Money not required is deposited in a higher interest building society account (specifically for charities) with immediate access.
FUTURE PLANS
We intend to continue to make full use of the new website to inform local residents about the work the branch carries out but more importantly promote the animals we have available for rehoming. Every year we look to make improvements to the website and in 2021 we will continue to look at ways we can improve.
During 2021 we will also continue to raise branch awareness and important animal related issues using social media as this continues to be the most reliable and cost-effective method of communication. We will also begin increasing the amount of fundraising that we do. We have just started developing a link with the local press and will continue to utilise and nurture this link.
One thing we need to focus on during 2021 is the recruitment of a few more fosterers, as this continues to be the limiting factor as to how many animals we are able to help.
We have plans to increase fundraising activities, once restrictions have lifted enough to enable us to do so, and will make use of both online and in-person events to do this.
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
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 Charity’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the Trustees should follow best practice and:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy, the financial position of the charity and which will enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with applicable law, regulations and trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Board of Trustees approved this report on 10th October 2021.
Mrs Liz Cormell Chair
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Stourbridge Branch
Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020
DSE ACCOUNTANTS
2 Croft Court, Croft Lane, Temple Grafton, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 6PW
RSPCA - Stourbridge Branch
Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities For the Year Ended 31 December 2020
RSPCA STOURBRIDGE AND DISTRICT BRANCH TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2020
| Total Total Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds INCOMING RESOURCES INCOMING RESOURCES FROM GENERATED FUNDS: Note Funds Funds 2020 2019 Voluntary income 1 5,771 5,771 11,876 Activities for generating funds 2 25,244 25 26,779 Investment income INCOMING RESOURCES FROM 3 2,524 2,524 2,256 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 4 3,827 3,827 4,346 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 37,366 37,366 45,257 RESOURCES EXPENDED COSTS OF GENERATING FUNDS 5 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES GOVERNANCE COSTS 6 7 46,004 51,201 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 46,004 51,201 Net incoming/outgoings resources Gains on investment assets (8,638) (8,638) (5,944) NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (8,638) (8,638) (5,944) TOTAL FUNDS AT 1 JANUARY 2020 358,685 358,685 364,629 TOTAL FUNDS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020 350,047 350,047 358,685 |
Total Total Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds INCOMING RESOURCES INCOMING RESOURCES FROM GENERATED FUNDS: Note Funds Funds 2020 2019 Voluntary income 1 5,771 5,771 11,876 Activities for generating funds 2 25,244 25 26,779 Investment income INCOMING RESOURCES FROM 3 2,524 2,524 2,256 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 4 3,827 3,827 4,346 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 37,366 37,366 45,257 RESOURCES EXPENDED COSTS OF GENERATING FUNDS 5 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES GOVERNANCE COSTS 6 7 46,004 51,201 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 46,004 51,201 Net incoming/outgoings resources Gains on investment assets (8,638) (8,638) (5,944) NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (8,638) (8,638) (5,944) TOTAL FUNDS AT 1 JANUARY 2020 358,685 358,685 364,629 TOTAL FUNDS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020 350,047 350,047 358,685 |
|---|---|
| 358,685 |
RSPCA STOURBRIDGE AND DISTRICT BRANCH TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2020
RSPCA - Stourbridge Branch
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2020
2020 2019
L . VOLUNTARY INCOME
Donations and collections 5,771 11,876 Legacies Grants
- ACTIVITIES FOR GENERATING FUNDS Fundraising events 25,244 26,779
| 4. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACTIVITIES | ||||
| Homing Donations | 1,103 | 1,660 | ||
| Other income | 2,724 | 2,686 | ||
| 5,771 | 11,876 | |||
| 3. INVESTMENT INCOME | ||||
| Bank interest | 2,524 | 2,256 | ||
| 3,827 | 4,346 | |||
| 6. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES | ||||
| EXPENDITURE | ||||
| Veterinary fees and Drugs | 21,201 | 37,076 | ||
| Food and Supplies | 3,911 | 4,220 |
RSPCA STOURBRIDGE AND DISTRICT BRANCH TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2020
| Insurance | 524 | 524 |
|---|---|---|
| Stationery and Postage | 476 | 293 |
| Motor and Telephone | 221 | 779 |
| Sundries | 2,434 | 1,945 |
| Printing, Advertising and Website costs | 202 | |
| Support costs | 16,735 | 6,364 |
| Donations | 300 | |
| 5. COST OF GENERATING FUNDS |
ALLOCATION OF SUPPORT COSTS
| Bank charges | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accountancy fees | 402 | 300 | ||
| Branch contribution | 16,333 | 6.064 | ||
| 46,004 | 51,201 | |||
| 16.735 | 6,364 | |||
| 7. GOVERNANCE COSTS |
RSPCA STOURBRIDGE AND DISTRICT BRANCH TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2020
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Stourbridge Branch
Balance Sheet 31 December 2020
| 2020 | 2019 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current assets | ||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 347,332 | 359,735 | ||
| Debtors | 2,715 | 1,281 | ||
| 350,047 | 361,0 | |||
| Current liabilities | 16 | |||
| Bank loans and overdrafts | ||||
| Creditors | 2,33 | |||
| 1 | ||||
| Net current assets | 350,047 | 358,685 | ||
| Total assets less current | ||||
| liabilities | £ | 350,047 | £ 358,685 | |
| Capital account | ||||
| Brought forward at 1 January 2020 | 358,685 | 364,629 | ||
| Surplus/(Defcit) for the year | (8,638) | (5,944) | ||
| £ 350,047 | £ 358,685 |