RSPCA STOURBRIDGE AND DISTRICT BRANCH TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT st
FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| 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 st FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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 limited 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 set up a very small subsidised cat neutering assistance, with help from a local vet, which we use in cases of extreme need. This was set up due to the suspension of the Cats Protection Neutering Scheme. 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 2024 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 2024 we rehomed 44 cats. This is fewer than 2023 (56 cats and 1 rabbit) During 2024 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.
RSPCA STOURBRIDGE AND DISTRICT BRANCH
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT st FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
In 2024, 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.
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 2024 we have continued to update our website to make it more accessible and current. We have 1 volunteer who maintains it regularly.
In 2024 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 £51,324 (2023 £43,153)
Expenditure in the year amounted to £93,529 (2023 £81,029)
The deficit for the year was £42,205
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 2025 we will continue to look at ways we can improve.
During 2025 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. 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. th The Board of Trustees approved this report on 29 April 2025.
Mrs Liz Cormell
Chair
RSPCA Stourbridge Branch Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
DSE Accountants 2 Croft Court Temple Grafton Alcester
B49 6PW
RSPCA Stourbridge Branch
Contents
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Accountants' report 1
Profit and loss account 2
Balance sheet 3
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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 2024 which comprises the Profit and Loss Account and the Balance Sheetfrom the entity's accounting records and from information and explanations you have given us.
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. 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
29 April 2025
Page 1
RSPCA Stourbridge Branch
Profit and Loss Account for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Turnover Donations Fundraising Head Office Adoption Fees Other income Other Income Interest Received Total income Cost of sales Cats Vets Fees Facilities for Pets Gross loss Expenses Rent Light, heat and power Insurance Telephone and fax Printing, postage and stationery Sundry expenses Irrecoverable VAT Mileage Expenses Accountancy fees Legal and professional fees Bank charges Net loss |
2024 £ £ 25,159 363 15,961 17 2,145 43,645 108 7,571 7,679 51,324 13,178 38,398 34,400 (85,976) (34,652) 320 487 822 - 698 1,806 2,367 322 480 35 216 (7,553) (42,205) |
2023 £ £ 17,048 3,142 16,045 1,983 1,705 39,923 255 2,975 3,230 43,153 16,468 34,085 20,879 (71,432) (28,279) 550 3,717 - 123 631 2,905 - 897 480 40 254 (9,597) (37,876) |
2023 £ £ 17,048 3,142 16,045 1,983 1,705 39,923 255 2,975 3,230 43,153 16,468 34,085 20,879 (71,432) (28,279) 550 3,717 - 123 631 2,905 - 897 480 40 254 (9,597) (37,876) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43,153 (71,432) |
|||
| (28,279) (9,597) |
|||
| (37,876) |
Page 2
RSPCA Stourbridge Branch
Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024
| Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Net assets Financed by: Capital account Loss Current account As at 1 January 2024 |
2024 £ £ - 239,444 239,444 239,444 (42,205) (42,205) 281,649 281,649 239,444 |
2023 £ £ 2,367 279,282 281,649 281,649 (37,876) (37,876) 319,525 319,525 281,649 |
2023 £ £ 2,367 279,282 281,649 281,649 (37,876) (37,876) 319,525 319,525 281,649 |
|---|---|---|---|
| (37,876) | |||
| (37,876) 319,525 |
|||
| 319,525 | |||
| 281,649 |
Page 3
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts S¢ction A Indcpcndcnt Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of RSPCA STOURBRIDGE & DISTRICT BRANCH On accounts for the year ended 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Charity no {if any) Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ('the Trust°} for the year ended Rosponsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance wilh the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act"). I report In respect of my examination of the I rust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all Ihe applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515Mbl of the Act. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examin8tion {olher Ihan that disclosed below ') which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance wilh section 130 of the Charities Act. or the accounts did nol 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 Charilies (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 lo be reached. Please delele the words in Ihe brackets if Ihey do nol apply. Signed: Date: 2f-OLtr- aoaf Name: SAM POOLE Relevant professional qualificat50n(s} or body FCCA IER Oct 2018
(if any): Address: DSE ACCOUNTANTS 2 CROFT COURT, CROFT LANE, TEMPLE GRAFTON, ALCESTER, B49 6PW Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight rnaterial matters of concern (see CC32, Independenl examination of charity accounts.. directions and guidance for examiners). Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. IER Oct 2018