**RSPCA STOURBRIDGE AND DISTRICT BRANCH TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2022**
|**REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS**|**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|
||2, Croft Court,|
||Croft Lane,|
||Temple Grafton,|
||Alcester.|
||B49 6PW|
|**Bankers:**|CAF Bank Ltd.|
||25, Kings Hill Avenue,|
||Kings Hill,|
||West Malling,|
||Kent.|
||ME19 4JQ|
**RSPCA STOURBRIDGE AND DISTRICT BRANCH TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2022**
## **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:
- Having sufficient funds to cover the costs of animal welfare activities.
● Having a sufficient number of foster carers
● 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, micro-chipping 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 2023 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 2023 we rehomed 56 cats and 1 rabbit. This is more than 2022 (45 cats and 1 rabbit)
During 2023 we have continued to work hard at our social media presence. We have seen our followers on Facebook, twitter and Instagram sites continue to increase. 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 2023, we continued to run a pet food bank to assist those people on benefits who would otherwise need to surrender their pets, due to the on-going cost of living crisis. This food bank will run for as long as required and caters for cats, dogs and small furries.
**RSPCA STOURBRIDGE AND DISTRICT BRANCH TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2022**
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 2023 we have continued to update our website to make it more accessible and current. We have 2 volunteers who maintain it regularly. In 2023 we have also continued to use the main RSPCA website for advertising animals in our care needing homes and are still finding that a good resource. One of our aims is always to recruit more fosterers, mainly for rabbits. This remains a focus as its difficult to find good foster homes.
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
The total incoming resources for the year amounted to £43,153 (2022 £72,995)
Expenditure in the year amounted to £81,029 (2022 £67,325)
The deficit for the year was £37,876.
Although we have spent almost double our income we are lucky enough to have reserves from previous large legacies. These large reserves have meant that we are able to sustain such a loss but need to increase income in the coming years if we are to continue to operate.
**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 2 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 website, and social media, 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 and in 2024 we will continue to look at ways we can improve.
During 2024 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, both online and in person. We have maintained our link with local press and radio and have been featured in both media.
We will continue to support the local community with the pet food bank as long as it is required.
We would still benefit from recruiting 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 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:
● select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
● make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
● 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
● 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 20[th] May 2024.
**Mrs Liz Cormell**
**Chair**
## RSPCA Stourbridge Branch
Accounts
for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
DSE Accountants 2 Croft Court Temple Grafton Alcester
B49 6PW
## **RSPCA Stourbridge Branch**
## **Contents**
Officers and advisers_________________________________________________________________________1 Accountants' report__________________________________________________________________________2 Approval of financial information_______________________________________________________________3 Profit and loss account________________________________________________________________________4 Balance sheet_______________________________________________________________________________5 Notes to the accounts_________________________________________________________________________6
## **RSPCA Stourbridge Branch Officers and Advisers**
**Proprietor**
R Thomas
**Accountants** DSE Accountants 2 Croft Court Temple Grafton Alcester B49 6PW
Page 1
## **Accountants' Report to R Thomas on the Preparation of the Unaudited Financial Information of RSPCA Stourbridge Branch**
We have prepared for your approval the financial information of RSPCA Stourbridge Branch for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprises the Profit and Loss Account, the Balance Sheet and the related notes from the entity's accounting records and from information and explanations you have given us.
As a practising member firm of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), we are subject to its ethical and other professional requirements which are detailed at icaew.com/membershandbook .
This report is made solely to you. Our work has been undertaken solely to prepare for your approval the financial information of RSPCA Stourbridge Branch and state those matters that we have agreed to state to you in this report in accordance with ICAEW Technical release TECH08/16AAF. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than R Thomas for our work or for this report.
You have approved the financial information for the year and have acknowledged your responsibility for it, for the appropriateness of the financial reporting framework adopted and for providing all information and explanations necessary for its compilation.
We have not verified the accuracy or completeness of the accounting records or information and explanations you have given to us and we do not, therefore, express any opinion on the financial information.
......................................... DSE Accountants
2 Croft Court Temple Grafton Alcester B49 6PW
12 April 2024
Page 2
## **RSPCA Stourbridge Branch**
## **Approval of financial information**
I approve the financial information which comprises the Profit and Loss Account, the Balance Sheet and the related notes.
I acknowledge my responsibility for the financial information, including the appropriateness of the applicable financial reporting framework as set out in note 1, and for providing DSE Accountants with all information and explanations necessary for its compilation.
I give my authority for the financial information to be submitted to HM Revenue and
Customs. The financial information was approved by the proprietor on 12 April 2024.
.........................................
Page 3
## **RSPCA Stourbridge Branch**
## **Profit and Loss Account for the Year Ended 31 December 2023**
|**Turnover**
Donations
Fundraising
Head Office
Facebook
Adoption Fees
**Other income**
Other Income
Interest Received
**Total income**
**Cost of sales**
Cats
Vets Fees
Facilities for Pets
**Gross (loss)/profit**
**Expenses**
Rent
Light, heat and power
Telephone and fax
Printing, postage and stationery
Sundry expenses
Mileage Expenses
Accountancy fees
Legal and professional fees
Bank charges
**Net (loss)/profit**|**2023**
**£**
17,048
3,142
16,045
1,983
1,705
255
2,975
16,468
34,085
20,879
550
3,717
123
631
2,905
897
480
40
254|**£**
39,923
3,230
43,153
(71,432)
(28,279)
(9,597)
(37,876)|**2022**
**£**
11,112
545
54,875
3,947
1,935
249
332
11,178
40,041
9,885
240
2,080
-
440
1,793
867
660
40
101|**£**
72,414
581|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||72,995
(61,104)|
|||||11,891
(6,221)|
|||||5,670|
Page 4
## **RSPCA Stourbridge Branch**
## **Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2023**
|**Note**
**Current assets**
Debtors
2
Cash at bank and in hand
**Net assets**
**Financed by:**
**Capital account**
As at 1 January 2023|**2023**
**£**
**£**
2,367
279,282
281,649
281,649
350,047
350,047|**2022**
**£**
**£**
2,715
316,810
319,525
319,525
350,047
350,047|**2022**
**£**
**£**
2,715
316,810
319,525
319,525
350,047
350,047|
|---|---|---|---|
||||350,047|
||||350,047|
Page 5
## **RSPCA Stourbridge Branch**
## **Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2023**
## **1 Accounting policies**
## **Basis of preparation**
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
## **Turnover**
Turnover represents the invoiced value of sales of goods, net of value added tax.
## **2 Debtors**
Other debtors Prepayments
|**2023**
**£**
2,367
-
2,367|**2022**
**£**
2,366
349|
|---|---|
||2,715|
Page 6
(HARITY (OMMISSION
FOR ENGLAND AND WALES
Independent examiner's report on the
accounts
Sectlon A
Independent Examiner's Report
Report to the trusteesl
members of
RSPCA STOURBRIDGE & DISTRICT BRANCH
On accounts for the year
endod
ST
31 DECEMBER 2023
Charity no
(if any)
Set Olrt on pagès
I report to the trustees on my examinalion of the accounts of the above
charity {"the Trust") for the year ended
Responsibilities and
basis of report
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the
accounts in accordance with Ihe requirements of the Charities Act 2011
{"the Act").
I report in respect of my examination of Ihe Trust'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)Ibl of the Act.
Independent I
examinerfs statement
I have completed my examination. I confim that no material matters have
come to my attention in connection wilh the examination lolher than that
disclosed below ') which gives me cause lo believe that in, any material
respect..
the accounting records were not kept in accordan with section 130
of the Charities Act., or
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records,. or
the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements
concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other Ihan 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 concems and have come across no other matters in wnnection
with the examination to which altention should be drawn in this report in
order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Please delele the words in the braokefs if they do nor apply.
Signed:
Date:
0-06. 10
Name:
SAM POOLE
Relevant professional
qualification($) or body
FCCA
IER
Oct 2018
(if any)".
Address:
DSE ACCOUNTANTS
2 CROFT COURT. CROFT LANE, TEMPLE GFIAFTON,
ALCESTER, B49 6PW
Section B
Disclosure
Unly complete if the examiner needs lo highlight material matters of conrn
(see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts.. directions and
guidance for examiners).
Glve here brlef detalls of
any items that the
examiner wtshes to
disclose.
IER
Oct 2018