## **Trustees’ Annual Report for 2024**
**Charity name: RSPCA – Kent North West Branch Charity registration number: 210633**
**Mother and daughter Mango and Winnie rescued and rehomed**
|**Content**
Reference and administrative details of the charity, trustees and advisers
Financial Review
Achievements and performance
Objectives and activities
Structure governance and management
Principle sources of funds
Local Inspectorate Reports
Branch annual Accounts and Balance Sheet|**Page**
1
2
3
9
10
10
11
13|
|---|---|
## **Reference and Administrative details**
Charity’s principal address 20 Carters Wood, Hamstreet KENT TN26 2NN Contact details Branch Manager Becky Blackmore Tel; 01233 733584 Mobile; 07737 045522 www.rspca-kentnorthwest.org.uk/
## **Name of the Charity Trustees who Manage the Charity**
|**Trustee name**|**Office held if any**|**Dates acted if not for**
**the whole year**|
|---|---|---|
|Ben Charman|Chair||
|Harriet Taylor|Treasurer from AGM
26th June 2024||
|Rebecca Birs|||
|John Bowley|||
|Alison Bruford||From 4th December
2024|
|Eric Grover|Treasurer until AGM
26th June 2024||
|Tom Maddison||Until 3rd March 2024|
|Androniki Papagora||Co opted 5th May 2024|
|Susanna Wooders||Co opted 5th May 2024|
|Dan Wordsworth||Until 31st July 2024|
Page 1
## **Financial Review**
2024 was our busiest year on record. Our income was £219,146.15 (up from £206,661.66 in 2023) and expenditure £280,062.11 (up from £239,604.53 in 2023). The Charity had a deficit of £60,915.96. At the year end we have a balance sheet of £1,035,468.37 which represents just under 4 years of reserves. The Charity remains in a healthy financial position.
Page 2
## **Achievements and Performance**
2024 was a challenging year and demand for our support increased again from residents in our Branch area. The reasons include a local lack of veterinary capacity and continued increase in veterinary costs. Also the cost of living crisis. We worked hard and increased our impact but finished the year with a deficit of £56,759.29.
## Providing our key services
Our key animal welfare achievements in 2024 included;
- We took in 209 animals that were in desperate need (98 cats, 64 rabbits, 5 dogs and 42 small furries). Over 100 of these had been rescued by RSPCA Inspectors from situations of abuse or neglect. Most of the rest were sick or injured stray cats which urgently needed help. We pride ourselves on offering an exemplary service to our local RSPCA Inspectors and will work alongside them when our skills are needed. We rehomed 103 animals ourselves in 2024 and for all of the rest we paid all of the veterinary and boarding costs to enable them to go to RSPCA Rehoming Centres. We are grateful to RSPCA Canterbury, Ashford, Hastings and Thanet branches for allowing us to use their excellent facilities and services.
- We neutered 172 animals (86 cats, 40 dogs, 41 rabbits and 5 small furries) costing £9,414.11 (up from £5,647.79 in 2023). Neutering is very important to prevent future suffering and we intend to keep increasing this service to the community.
- We helped 50 local pet owners who were in receipt of benefits and unable to fund essential vet costs for their pets. Without our help these animals would have suffered and may have had to be rehomed. When we can support responsible owners and help them to keep their pets then we do so.
- We microchipped 121 animals (up from 77 in 2023). It became a legal requirement for cats to be neutered in 2024. Emma, our Animal Welfare Officer, is trained to implant microchips. She ran a number of free cat microchipping sessions in areas of financial hardship. These were very well attended and many of the cats went on to need further services from us such as neutering or vet treatment.
**Meet Pumpkin and Spice who were featured in The Kent Messenger in October**
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Pumpkin and Spice were found dumped in a faeces covered pet carrier by a road in Swanscombe. A concerned member of the public spotted them on the 18th October and took them to a local vet. They had obviously been shut in the tiny carrier for a long time. Despite their terrifying ordeal, friendly and confident two year olds Spice (fluffy female tabby) and Pumpkin (male ginger short haired) proved to be incredibly resilient. They were soon ready to find a loving new home together. Sadly Pumpkin and Spice were just another example of the growing number of animals being abandoned in our Branch area. Thanks to our friends at Canterbury RSPCA Centre for finding them an amazing home where they could stay together.
## Going above and beyond
Rescue, neutering and microchipping are the bread and butter work of local RSPCA Branches. At RSPCA - Kent North West Branch we always try to push ourselves further in order to tackle specific problems in our Branch area. We have therefore developed these additional services to address specific local needs.
- **Food banks** - in 2024 we donated 5,500 meals for cats and dogs to local food banks. We work with a number of food banks and so far have never had to say no to their requests. We also provide information for food bank clients to enable them to access our other services for their pets such as neutering.
- **Educational Outreach** - In 2024 Emma reached 870 children providing 20 hours of educational talks. The purpose of the talks is to encourage empathy with animals thereby promoting good animal welfare for the pet owners of the future.
- **Branch Helpline** - We operate a very busy Helpline and often receive in excess of 100 calls per month. Trustee and Branch volunteer John Bowey gives up a huge amount of his time running the helpline. He is a valued source of support and advice to the public, often calling in from much further afield than just our Branch area. Fortunately, with over 30 years of experience at our Branch there isn’t much that John can’t handle. We took our helpline cloud based in 2024. This provides a much better service, enabling us to share the calls (if John ever asked for a break!) and has also saved us money in line and equipment rental.
- **Support for vulnerable pet owners and those in crisis** - In recent years we have found that we have the time and resources to be able to go further than the Inspectors are able to in terms of offering ongoing support to those in acute need. Mental health and age related impairment are amongst the most common reasons Inspectors ask for our help and Emma steps in where most Branches cannot. Dealing with these owners is time consuming and complex but often there is just no one else and we feel that we do it very well.
## **Teddi’s Story: Compassion in Difficult Circumstances**
We were asked by national RSPCA staff if we could step in and help with this complex situation. Concerns had been raised about the welfare of a little dog called Teddi who had a clearly visible growth on his chest that had gone untreated. It was apparent that while Teddi was very much loved, his elderly owner was struggling to meet his needs. She was living with dementia, and without regular support, could no longer recognise or respond to Teddi’s declining health. Social services and care providers were already working to move the owner into accommodation with more support. We stepped in to help Teddi, starting with a veterinary assessment at no cost to the owner. The results were heartbreaking: Teddi was suffering from several serious, age-related conditions, many of which had conflicting treatment options.
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We began the delicate process of helping the owner understand that Teddi was nearing the end of his life. This wasn’t easy, especially as her health made it hard for her to fully grasp what was happening. At the same time, we made sure Teddi remained comfortable and pain-free. After ongoing conversations and support, we were able to work with the next of kin—who held power of attorney—to formally transfer Teddi into our care.
Teddi was taken to Harmsworth Animal Hospital for a full and compassionate assessment. Although we had a space ready for him at one of our centres, the veterinary team agreed that trying to manage his many complex health issues would not be in his best interest. The kindest decision was to let him go peacefully.
Throughout the process, we worked closely with housing officers, carers, social workers, and the family to
ensure both Teddi and his owner were cared for with dignity and empathy. Everyone involved wanted what was best for Teddi, and we’re confident that—had his owner been well—she would have made the same decision out of love for him.
Our involvement enabled Teddi to stay with his owner for longer than would have been possible without our oversight. We balanced Teddi’s medical needs and quality of life with the undoubted benefits that he brought to his lifelong companion. Teddi’s story is a powerful reminder of how animal welfare and human wellbeing are deeply connected. It also shows the importance of working together with compassion and understanding when people and pets are both in need.
Some cherries on the cake in 2024
**Welcome to our brand new team of Volunteer Drivers** - Emma is out on the road 3 days a week but the demand never stops. So we advertised for volunteer drivers to assist Emma and we were delighted with the response. The original idea was that the volunteer drivers could get rescued animals where they need to be without delay and also save us time and money. Alex, David, Julie, Martin and Pamela answered our call and between them drove hundreds of miles in 2024, getting animals swiftly to places of safety. The team has really embraced the wider work of the Branch and quickly stepped up to support Emma as the work servicing the local food banks grew. They are there to collect and deliver food and we simply couldn’t do this work without their hard work.
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The work of a volunteer driver is never over!
**Welcome to our new Trustees** - A charity is only as strong as its trustees and we are always seeking new people to join us. In 2024 we welcomed Ali, Androniki and Susanna who have the skills and experience to really strengthen our Board. If you would like to find out more about volunteering or becoming a Trustee then contact - becky@rspca kentnorthwest.org.uk
## **In 2024 we rebranded along with the rest of the RSPCA and we hope you like our new look!**
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**200th Anniversary Celebrations of the RSPCA** - We were proud to join in the national celebrations in June of the 200th Anniversary of the RSPCA. We held our own “One Fun Day” in our Dartford Shop which was a great success with our customers. The Shop looked amazing and we made a display showing the history of the Branch dating back to before the 1960s. All of our branch staff and volunteers received a commemorative set of badges to mark the occasion as you can see with some of our team at Gravesend Shop.
**An RSPCA Impact Award for our rabbit rehoming** - Meet Edward who was typical of the 69 rabbits that we found homes for in 2024. He arrived with us in an awful state. He was missing much of his fur and his claws were growing into his feet. He had been confined in a small space and had been sitting in his own urine and faeces. Rabbits are such long suffering animals and we find that they bounce back very quickly once they settle in with us. They immediately appreciate the proper space and cleanliness as well as environmental enrichment and perfect diet. You can see the transformation which was made complete when Edward went to his new home where he is much loved, has space to roam and a female rabbit for company.
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Although we have only been rehoming rabbits for a few years we have rehomed nearly 200 and our hard work has not gone unnoticed. In 2024 we beat off very stiff competition in winning an RSPCA Impact Award in recognition of achieving so much without our own animal centre. The name on the Award should definitely read “Judith” and not “Becky”, as it is Judith who has the skills and does all of the hard work caring for our rabbits (ably assisted by Sarah, Becca and Betty).
**Partnership Working** - We want to extend our gratitude to all of the veterinary practices in our area and further afield who support us in this work. In recent years we have extended this to a number of local Charities which we assist including New Hope, South East Dog Rescue, Dartford Animal Rescue Team, Bexley Cats Protection, Animal Samaritans, Jean Redgrave Rabbit Rescue and Spirits Rest Horse and Animal Sanctuary. We also worked with local Police, Dog Wardens,, Lost and Found Group, SLAIN, Bluewater, Jollyes the Pet People Superstore, Asda Greenhithe and a number of Morrisons supermarkets in our area.
Page 8
addition to our local RSPCA Inspectors, we pitched in and helped with animals from South London when that RSPCA Branch had to cease operations. We also foster an excellent mutually beneficial relationship with Emma’s counterpart in Canterbury and District Branch, Lin making sure to help one another with public events, microchipping days and sharing educational resources and ideas.
## **Objectives and Activities**
The object of the charity is to promote kindness and good care and 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. Our area of benefit is all DA postcodes plus BR8 postcodes. Any animal that can have a quality of life and can be found a home will not be abandoned by our Branch.
Our activities to achieve the objectives include the following activities which are always available:
- To provide veterinary welfare assistance for those on low incomes. This work benefits pet owners who cannot assist their pets themselves and are distressed to witness their pet suffering.
- To provide neutering and microchipping facilities for those on low incomes. This work benefits those members of the public on low income by giving them financial help and promoting responsible pet ownership. Neutering has both behavioural and health benefits for the animal which in turn benefits the owner.
- To support the Society's inspectorate in their work providing financial assistance and emergency accommodation for mistreated or abandoned animals, including pets whose owners suffer ill health or financial difficulties or pass away. 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. 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 as a whole. The National Call Centre accepts complaints about animals in distress every day of the year and the public benefits by being able to call in for help when an animal is suffering, which can be very distressing for humans to witness and feel powerless to help.
- To accept stray and owned animals for rehoming or facilitate this by working in partnership with other RSPCA Branches. 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. The work benefits our local community including local authorities as it reduces the incidence of abandonment and cruelty, and the public knows that we assist animals in need. Whilst we are primarily an animal charity, the service we offer pet owners who cannot assist their pets themselves in times of crisis can relieve much distress for the owner as well as the pet. We take steps to reunite stray animals with their owners which benefits our local community (including local authorities) by preventing animals straying and posing a risk to themselves and to people through road traffic accidents.
- The above activities are largely carried out by John Bowley our volunteer animal Welfare Officer and Emma Byrne a part time member of staff, working in partnership with RSPCA staff, local veterinary practices and other organisations working in the
Page 9
field of animal welfare. This includes providing pet food to our local food banks in response to the cost of living crisis. In addition, John Bowley runs our very busy Branch Helpline which is of great help to the public.
- We provide many volunteering opportunities for those who wish to support our work, including shop volunteers, volunteer drivers and volunteer administration support. This benefits local people and companies by providing the possibility of doing work which is both compassionate and rewarding and offers experience which may assist participants in finding paid work. It is not possible to quantify the financial value of our volunteers but in 2024 we had the benefit of over 3,000 hours of volunteer work. Our two charity shops provided a valuable source of low cost, good quality recycled goods to the benefit of the public and the environment.
The trustees have reviewed the outcomes and achievements for the year to ensure they remain focused on our charitable aims and continue to deliver benefits to the public. We have complied with this duty under the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.
## **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 2012). In the normal course of business, Committee members are elected at every Annual General Meeting from the members of the Branch, to carry on the work for the ensuing year. Candidates must receive 50% of the votes of the members present. The elected Branch Committee can co-opt not more than three members onto the committee until the next annual general meeting. All Committee members must be Society members for a minimum of three months on appointment.
The Committee members are trustees of the Branch and are briefed on their responsibilities as trustees prior to their acceptance of the role. The trustees hold regular meetings at which decisions are made and conveyed to the Branch Manager and other staff for action. The day-to-day running of the shops is delegated to the Shop Managers.
## **Principle Sources of Funds**
The Charity is dependent upon donations and fundraising to pay for its activities. One of our main sources of income has always been our two Charity Shops. In 2023 the net profit remained steady at our Shop at 161 Windmill Street, Gravesend led by Val Oakman and her team (£21,335.70). Unfortunately net profits have continued to fall at our Dartford Charity Shop. Without the benefit of the team of volunteers who had run the shop for many years, we had to employ part time staff. An impending large rent increase meant that it was not viable to retain the double unit in Market Place so we condensed back down into number 3 Market Place. The view was taken that this unit was too small to generate a profit. The decision was made to move to Unit 30 at the Orchard Centre in Dartford. We traded there from March to October and the team led by Jayne Martin-Garcia and Eric Grover put in a monumental effort to make this venture viable. However, costs were higher than expected and insufficient income was generated to cover staffing costs and outgoings. With great regret we closed our doors on the Dartford Shop at the end of 2024.
Page 10
We are not alone in finding it harder to generate income from charity shops and in 2025 we will be exploring additional income streams
## **Our Local Inspectorate Groups**
We want to extend our thanks to all the RSPCA Inspectors and Animal Rescue Officers who work in our area;
**London South Group Kent Group** C/I Mark Miles Chief Inspector Nick Wheelhouse DCI Deborah Rutherford Deputy Chief Inspector Tina Nash Inspector Harriet Dalliday ARO Wayne Baker Inspector Jade Guthrie ARO May Bell ARO Portia Mearns ARO Brian Milligan ARO Sidonie Smith ARO Georgia Shelton ARO Latia Pennant ARO Adam Tasker ARO Yalina Blumer ARO Poppy Turk ARO Paige Havlin ARO Becca Wilkie ARO Lewis Ledlie Inspector Clive Hopwood Inspector Kirsten Ormerod Inspector Rosie Russon Inspector Deborah Rutherford
ARO Paige Havlin was called to a Sika Deer trapped in a garden in our Branch area. As you can from the picture it was a full-sized adult with huge antlers so she had to be careful. With a little bit of ingenuity, she got the caller to close all the curtains and made some funnelling and eventually herded the deer out into the surrounding area. Luckily it seemed to know the location and got away into nearby woods.
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Inspector Kirsten Ormerod rescued 2 German Shepherds and a cat from a property in Gravesend where they had been abandoned by an owner who had moved out. The terrified dogs were in poor condition and appeared not to have been outside or on a lead in a long time. Arrangements were made to take them to private boarding and it transpired that they were mother and daughter and very bonded with each other. We had the dogs transferred into our care and were delighted when German Shepherd Rescue Elite found a great foster placement for them. The first 2 photos show them when the Inspector discovered them and the final picture is a much happier and healthier pair who were rehomed together
We helped RSPCA Inspectors by taking 44 rabbits which they had rescued in 2024. Muppet here came to us in September 2024 from a house with lots of other rabbits whose needs were not being met. He has proved to be our longest staying rabbit and as at June 2025, he is still looking for a home
**https://www.rspca.org.uk/find apet/search/details/-/Animal/ MUPPET_/ref/BSA2126118/re home**
Page 12
THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE
PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
KENT NORTH - WEST BRANCH
(Regi$ter¢d Charity No. 2111633)
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS
and
BALANCE SHEET
for the year ended-
31st DECEMBER 2024
Page13
Page 14
ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.
KENT. NORTH-WEST BRANCH
(Registered Charity No: 210633)
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31$t DECEMBER 2024
The Royal Society for the Prevents"on of Cruelty toAnim8ls is incorporated underan Act ofParfiamerbt
and each Branch is governed by the rules of the Society. The Kent, North-west Branch is an incorporated and
a registered Charity No. 210633.The Adminisllative offi oflhe Branch is al 37, Gordon Road Dartford Kent
DA12LG.
The day lo day affairs of the Branch S managed by a Branch Committee. During 2024 tho
members of the Branch Commillee were..
Mr B. Charman
Mr E.J. Grover.
Mrs H. Taylor
Mrs H. Taylor
Mr. J. A. Bowley.
Ms Rebecca Birs
Ms Alison Bruford
Mr E.J. Grover.
Mr.T. Maddison
Mrs K. Maycock
Ms. Androniki Papagota
Mr D. Wordsworth
Ms. Susanna Wooders
(Note..
Branch Chairman
Br8nch Treasurer (to 26 June 2024}
Branch Treasurer I from 26 June 20241
Branth Trustee lo 26 June 20241
Branch Anin)al Welfare Administrator.
Branch Trustee
Branch Trustee
{from 4th December 20241
Branch Trustee (from 26 June 20241
Branch Tiuslee 110 10 March 20241
Branch Tfustee
Braftch Trustee
(from May 2024)
Branch Trustee I to 31 July 20244)
Branch Trustee
(from gh May 20241
indicates Co-opted Trustee.)
***
During Ihe year. the Branch operated kn Charity Shops At Dartford the Charily Shop at Market
Place was vacated on 28 February and new premises entered from 1?l March at the Orchards Shopping
Cent. The Br&nch appointed Mrs Jayne Garcia to a part tsme post as Manager oflhe Shop. In O¢tober2024
the Trustees resolved that they did not wsh to proceed with a lease of the premises arKI thè Shop was closed
al the end of November 2024. A Full Tirne Manager and 2 Part Time casual staff lo cover lor the Manager
absences were employed 8t the Branch Charity Shop al 161, Windmill Street, Gravesend. The Branch also
efftploys a part time Branch Manager who deals with adminislralive affairs of the Branch and an Animal
Welfare Officer who combines her role wilh education and fvnd raising. The average numbeT of persons
employed by Ihe ¢haTity during the yearwas Six.
The Branch Trustee5 were saddened in March 2024 by the paswng Tom Maddison who had served
on the Branch Committee f a number of yeaTS.
The object of the Charity is lo promote kindness and prevent or suppress cruolty to animals, and to
do all SL¢ch lawful acts as the Society may consider lo be conducive or incidental to the attainment of those
objectives.
The Charity is dependent on donations and fund iaising lo pay for its aclivilies. The Branch also
receives part of the subscriptions paid by members. The Branch conslitulion is approved by the National
RSPCA umbrella body, Charty No.219099, which is considered a related paty lor accounting purposes.
During the financial year, the Branch reiVed a total of £21,816,10p (Door lo Door Campaign) grant funding
from the National RSPCA for the Branch's purposes and also received grants of £22,D52.80 in support of
Rabbit care and Emergency Veterinary Irealments.
The Branch also receives a number of umbrella body services. induding legacy adminislralion under the
Blanch Legacy Scheme. membership adrninislralion and practical guidance and assistance from a Branch
Partnership Manager (formerly Branch Support SpecialisE} ernployed by the National Society. The chaTIIy
operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets ofthe scheme are held separately from those of
Ihe charity in an independenuy administered fund. The pension cost charge paid by the charity during the year
was £3464.23p
Details of the Charity's aclivilies are disclosed in the accounts. There have been no significant
adivilies during the year requiring a report lo the Charily Commissioners. Legaaes and In Memoriam
donations lo the value of £1948.75p were received during the year. Details of assets held by the Branch are
disclosed in the accounts. There have been no material post balance sheet events.
Harriet Taylor
Branch Treasurer
1$1 May 2025
Page15
FOR
10
UE
TO ANI
ENT NORTH-WEST BRANCH
8ALAIICE SHEET AS Af 31•t CECEMBER 2024
Balancè broughl fojward
Pmperty Revalualions In Year
Surplu8 lortha Year
1.006,384.33
1.137,213.4D
180.915.981
140,829 071
1.03S,468.37
1,096,384.33
BRANCH RESTRICTEO FUNDS..
L.C.¢rrer Legw lor Equlpt.
23.844.31
23,503,35
23.844.31
BRANCH GENERAL FUNDS..
Flx•d A•¥of81 Note1)
Property IS8.P4rrodE Slnel Gra¥es*N
Property 37.Gordon R(•d.Dartlr¥d
PrOrtY 10 N*skin Ro8d,D•rtford
ProFWty lo1,.11mill Sirnol,Gr8V88end
Br8n¢h Vehiel8
D8rtr¢rd Shop Refurb
R$bbl Accomodation
23,003.35
263.¢th.OD
205,(#XS.00
196.870.33
168,749.50
4,298.00
4.831.B4
1.609.91
283.CW.
2D5,(Y)O.00
196,870.33
168,749.50
6.197.00
7,242.76
2.844.72
fj4359.5B
849.9M31
CumntA•vots
Nat Wesl Capit81 RÈs$NoAccount
Debiors & Prepaymenl$
Br8nch Pay P81 Attounl
Cash al B8fik & kn kknd
159.062.50
7.290.77
71343
19.216.22
206,350.82
8.oe6.07
713.43
31.S45.21
186.264.92
{ 19,020.441
o.oo
0.00
$ Ciodilors
Balance Rabbll Awarenèss ProjBtl$
Balanc8 Sloifie Mat¢hed Fundln9
B*nce F$male Cat Projecl
Hcfse Scok8S
244,695.53
112.143.661
12,1100.001
11.57S.tyJI
14,100.1Tr)1
107,264.48
1,011,e24.06
TOTAL BRANCH GENEIiAL FUNDS
222,976.67
1.072.860.98
TOTAL ACCUMULATED FUNDS
1.035.468.37
1.096.384.33
T8yknr Branch Tr••¥urèr
Erk Grover
Branch TYu8teè
Page16
CIE
YFOR
. PREVTr;Tr4TION O ' CRIIEL
K?.%T.%'ORI'II-WEST IIRANCH
RTM
AR ENJ)ED.I
BRANCH GENERAL FUNDS
2024
TOTALS
TO ANIM
END
INCOME:
2023
TOTALS
Colloctlng 8ox•s
RSPCA Grant4
G•n¢ral D(trn•llons
Donatlons vla ACE
Door loDoor Campalgn
Dlvldends and Interest
Good$ Sold
R•homlng
Rag8 and RecycThng
Ront Rgc•iY•d
Shops Gravesend & Dartlord
•Bay Ineorn• Dartlord 8hop
Speclal Evont8
Sub8crlption8
Sundry Incom•
Reg Support Food Bank•
1A47.42
22.221.87
4Y9.83
673.95
21,816.10
352.61
402.97
8fv27.50
724.56
41685.00
106.521.59
1,030.68
639.26
992.00
1,816.63
295.80
1.417.97
14.390.83
1.Y90.70
779.16
23,094.00
2.745.01
207.31
6.360.00
1,242.08
40.247.00
101127.06
534.4S
783.>2
***a
235.16
TOTAL BRANCH IMCOlhE
217.197AQ
201,492.70
EXPENDITURE:
CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE
Branch N8ut.Schom•
C•rfj of Anlmal#
and MedlcSnes
MlcrochlppFng
Vetèrinary Fee8
Support for Food Bank•
TOTAL CHARITA8LE EXPENDITIJIE
23
5.647.79
36,086.71
7.840.92
233.15
22.140.80
805.1
8,877.86
33.749.88
4.841.09
728.07
29,023.17
295.60
n.61&15
12.76U5
NON CHARITA8LE EXPENOITURE
D•pr8clation & Wrlf¢ Offs
Hval, Light& Wator
IMur•n¢se¢1lfy
Good8 for Re8al
Molnt•n•Dce and R•palr¥.
Meèllngs
Motor V•hlcle & Travelllng
M(Jtor Vehicl# Cost#
PoBtage andT8lophone
Prlhtlnu and Stallongry
Bank & Pmfes¥lon•l Fe*•
Ront & R8te8
sIP Equ4PmonE
Branch Staff Co•t•
Sundry Expfrn¥o8
Wa810 D18pwI
Irfvcovernble VAT
Bvan¢h EveTrt•
Branch Tralnlng
roTAL NON Empl¢wr8 Pen•lon Costs
TOTAL NON CHAWTABLE EXPENDITUIIE
5,544.73
S,947.4S
3.254.87
101.18
13.779.57
75.00
2.042.06
3,700.10
4208.28
1.132.20
12.562.215
29,169.63
3,078.82
94,22J.33
943.18
2.036.7
7.106,83
176.68
514TJ
9.698.B4
5.1S9.59
484.06
11.IK19.34
340.90
2,127.29
3,684.96
4,588.28
1.360.7S
10,679.66
20,469.97
1.806.48
8l881.32
2.790.43
2,878.70
4,154.01
205.3?
3364.23
202,SIS.96
169,723.37
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
SuTplu•llDBlicltl belor8 L•gacl•8
L8ya¢l•• and In M•mtsrlJm donatlons
280,082.11
242.477.82
162.884.711
1,948.76
140.9B5.121
156.os
Dellcll oftor L*g•¢fj•s
160,916.961
140,829.07)
Page17
ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
KENT NORTH-WEST BRANCH
IReglst•r¢d Chaiity No: 2106331
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS.
ACCOUNTING POLICIES.
The principal accounling policies of the Branch are set out below. The policies
have remained unchanged from the previous year.
(a)
Basis of Accounting.
The financial statements have been prepared under historical cost
conventions and in accordan with applicable accounting
standards.
(b)
Income.
Income is accounted for when received.
(c)
Depreciation of Tangible assets.
The Branch Trustees regularly review of the methods used to
depreciate Capital Expenditure. 11 was concluded that the use of a
10D/o reducing balance gave an unrealistic value of the items over a
long term. In future all tangible Capital assets would be written off
over a determined period with each case of expendilure to be
determined at the time of purchase. Details of the period of write off
would be recorded in the Branch Asset Register.
As a result of the trLfStees revised policies the following items were
written off at the following rates:
Freehold Buildings.
Nil. During 2018 a further revaluation of
the property at 158. Parrock Street,
Gravesend, was carried out. The results
of that revaluations are shown in the
Balance Sheet. The valuations were
prepared on an open market basis by
Mcconnells, Chartered SuNeyors. The
Trustees plan to carry out a revaluation
of all property during 2025.
Shop Fixtures and Fittings.
All of the original assets
held at the Branch Shops have
now been wrilten off.
Page18
Furniture,PlantandEquipment. The use of a 10% reducing
balance was reviewed during the
year and it was agreed that the
Branch Vehicle and Rabbit
Accommodation.
purchased
during the year should be written
off over a five year period.
All previous items under this
heading have now been written
(d) Irrecoverable VAT
It is the Branch's policy to write off irrecoverable VAT through the
Income & Expenditure account when incurred.
FIXED ASSETS.
Freehold
Property.
Dt Shop Branch Shops Furniture
Refurb Fix &Fill.
Plant and
Equipment.
9,041.72
{1,899.00)
11,234.811
TOTAL
B81ance at 1st Jan. 2024 833,619.83 7242.76 Nil
DepTeciale Branch Van
Depreciate Rab Acc.
Depteciale Shop Refurb
(2410.921
Balance al 31st Dec 2024 833,619.83 4831.84 00.00
842,661.55
{1,899.001
11,234.81)
{2410.921
844359.58
5,907.91
Made up of..
Original cost.
Less Accumulated
Depreciation
837,242.71 9877.28 51.045.13
18,537.78
914068.38
13,622.88> 15045.84} { 51.045.131 {12,629.871 {69708.801
833,619.83
4831.84
00.00
5,907.91
844359.58
BRANCH (formerly the REGIONAL) NEUTERING SCHEME.
During 2024 the Branch continued to offer all of its established services including
the well-established Branch Neutering Scheme. The expenditure on this service
increased significantly as the Branch look on more cases of Rabbits. During 2024
the Branch sought the approval of the Regional Board to reallocale the Grant
made to Branch Neutering Services and this is reflecled in the Branch Accounts
A summary of the total expenditure in respect of the three services is as follows".
Branch Neuterin
Scheme:
Rabbits
Cats
Dogs
{39)
173)
111)
£3,443.63 p
£4,466.85 p
£ 967.38 p
Total as
r accounts:
£8,877.86p
Page19
DONATIONSIGRANTS.
During Ihe year donations in the sum of£5468 31 p were received, and these
are summarised as follows..
Branch General Donations
Dartford Shop Donations
Gravesend Shop Donations
Just Giving Donations
£3440.28
£1425.53
£ 340.00
£ 262.50
During the year the Branch received Grants from the RSPCA to be used for
various services. The Total of the Grants was: £22,052.80p
The Branch received the authority of the South East Regional Board to
reallocate the balan in former matched funding grants to various Service
heads. During the year the Branch utilised the grants as follows..
Regional Rabbit Grant (£2000.00) to Care of Animals.
Regional Staffie grant (£1575.00) to Veterinary Fees.
Regional Female Cat Neutering {£1900.00) to Branch
Neutering Scheme.
The reallocation of these funds is reflected in the Branch Accounts
SPECIAL EVENTS.
. The Special Events of the Branch during the year were as follows..
Wilmington August Fair
Dartford Shop Easter Egg Hunt.
Dartford Find the Animal
Dartford Shop RSPCA"200"
Dartford Shop Varied Events
£185.90
£ 35.00
£ 3.92
£166.22
£248.22
It should be noted that a number of activities undertaken by our ACE OffIr
attracted donations which have not been recorded as Special Events and
included as donations via ACE.
HEAT. LIGHT, WATER & RATES.
Payments made in respect of the items included within this heading are
summarised as follows=
Electricit
Gas.
Waler.
Total
Dartford Shop
£1840.14p
£222.02p
£2062.16p
Gravesend Shop
£1685.47p £922.97p
£379.81p
£2988.25p
Branch.
£ 238.17p
£627.87p
£ 31.OOpp
£ 897.04p
TOTAL
£ 5947.45
Page 20
PROFESSIONAL FEES
Professional fees include the following amounts for the Independent
Examination of the Branch's Accounts:
2024
2023
£615.
£650.
CREDITORS.
2024
2023
Trade. £17,820.44p
Accruals £ 1,200.OOp
£11,943.86p
£ 1,200.OOp
£ 19.020.44p
£ 12,143,86p
TRUSTEES REMUNERATION & EXPENSES.
No Truslee or connected person received any remuneration during the year.
10. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS.
The Branch had no Capital Commitments at the end of the year.
Page 21
R.S.P.C.A. KENT NORTH WEST 8RANCH.
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 2024
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES IPAGE 1 of 2}
INCOMING RE80URCES'.
Incoming resources frorn generaied fufids
023
I I l Do#t4tl¢ns, legacles and other In¢omlng resources..
General Donatlons
Donalloft$ vk ACE
Collecting Boxe5
Door to Ooor Campaign
In¢ome from L8gaaes &1n memOm don*ions
RabL¥t Care Support Grants from RSPCA
Velerirtary Support Grant ffom RSPCA
Carè conldbuts.en Gfant Irom RSPCA
Food B8nks Supportlrom RSPCA
Suadry Incorne
5549.83
$73.95
1447.12
21816_10
1948.75
6350.00
8261.77
7610.10
295.50
1816.63
1390.75
779.18
1417_97
23094.00
156.05
7100.OD
5226.22
1097.65
866.96
285.16
55770.05
41463.92
111 I AGtlvltle8 for gener&tlng
Sal8 of rjonaled itsm5 Dartford Shop
Salg ol donaled items Grsvespnd Shop
Sale of donaled Items Ebay
Sale ot Rags Darttord Shop
Sa18 of Rags G¥aves8nd Shop
Income from Re¢ycllnu
Sale of RSPCA Logoed Item5
Sa18 of non RSPCA Log08d Items
In¢om8 fron7 Rehomlng F6es- Rabbi18
Incofne from Rehoming Fees- Ca15& Others
Speual Events
42,259.99
64,261.60
1.030.68
409.27
315.29
0.00
3BS.25
17.82
5,725.00
2,302.50
639.28 117.346.4ts
41.880.96
66,246.10
534.45
862.29
679.79
186.37
20.94
4,735.00
1,615.00
163.92 116,724.82
I lil I Invèstment Income
In¢omg Irom ientlng of Grav8S8nd Prop8ty
Incom& Imm renling of Dariford Propee3
Inierest BankAIcs
15,260.00
27,325.00
305Z.64
15,210.00
25.037.00
2745_01
45.837.84
42,992.01
Ilvl In¢omlny rè¥ourGèS from ¢harttabl& actbvltles
Sulis¢lptk)n Income
392.00
488.00
392.00
468.00
Total Ineomlng Refjour¢es;
219,14&15
201.648.7S
Page 22
.3.P.C.A. KENT NORTH WEST BRANCH.
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 2024
8TATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AGTMMES IPAGE 2 of21
RESOURC
2024
35,355.44
11.270.01
25,392.60
15.205 28
3.464.23
1078.62
27.f94.65
f.100.80
874.18
32.744.46
10.208.46
2J.955.51
l3.B73 67
2.099.20
1,e(6.46
19290.00
1.071.40
135.56
Costs•l Oarford Shop
Stslf Cosi¥ Br8Dch MBryr
S18ff Ci*l*ACE
Branth EE Pan¢th Co8t8
Shop Equlpmonl
R•nl Oartlord snop
Rat05 Grav8aénd Shop
Ral•¥ 04rtloFd Shop
Bi8nGh Evenl¥
81on¢h Yralnlng
Cobt ofGoodJ for Ré•al•
Shop Ov•th•d$
175.ea
205.32
58.96
101.18
18728.13
484.
24337.83
130,030.91
IM I Ch*rftsbl• acU¥btl•B
la I r89tyJr grnnlod In lurthEr¢rK*ofthe Branth'$oblodi¥08
twe ofAnimwli- RABBITS
olAnimfjl%- CATS &OTHERS
caro ol FOOD BANK SUPPORT
R085 a¢18n¢k ContrIbJr
IhcrcthWtNI
nth Neu*rino S¢1- RABWTS
Brn 14¢uterknq Schem. CATS & OThRs
7.311.00
28.436.86
295.50
551.00
7,238.09
28,848.82
805.28
515.QD
233.15
728.67
3,443.89
5.434.23
3,271.44
2,37B.35
,202.8k
43,287.93
V•t•rtnary Fe•$ D8rff¢¥d Clk
va11n Fee$fyo¥esend Chn
Ve1n FeÈJ Em¢rqwq•nd olhet¢a*S
Oiugs and M£dklnes
2D.023_17
4.841.Q9
22.140.60
7fvI0.92
33.W.20
29.981.52
I cl •upport cmts far la l ènd I b l.
Trnvglvng Exp8n688
Blénch Vehi¢ ¢06t8
PnIsn0 and siaiionery
Poxi¢gtr ènd Telephone
EtndtyGa$ 8ndw8ler
In8uiartsx and SeBurityCo¥ts
M&lnlenBn¢e & RepaitS
Waste Di5PO#èI Costs
Depw•cialbn of Fixod Asse
profesOnal 108$ 1P¥opertEs}
Sundry Expen(Itui
reCOwvAT
1915.29
3700.15
1132.25
3148.87
697.04
2887.58
6842.4e
0.00 ShopOlhMd$
5.544.73
198e8.78
-707.82
71Cfj.B3
1702.70
3684.98
1288.77
2499.22
1579.47
2854.83
5108.90
0.00 Shopolhead
5,544.73
8177.77
1591.20
4154.01
52,364,16
28.186.SB
Id l GealKe
0.00
75.00
615.iX*
340.90
850.00
890.00
B90.90
2aQ.082.11
242.477.82
Page 23
14SPCA. KENT.IQORTH WE8T BRANC
ANNUALACCOUNTS 2Q23
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS DURING THE YEAR
23
TATEMENT
H FLOWS
N•tCa5hproYidedby fusedlnl op•rollnyacUvltrès
16Q.9181
14D,8291
Cash Flows from Inve5tlng a¢ii¥J*es
Purchase ofw¢p&lY,pnI and equlpment
Nefcosh Provldedby{u$edln) Inv19 aetlvllNe5
,9161
140,8291
Cash HobV¥ fmm Ilnancing &tllvlUes.'
RepBymenls of boifowing
NotC•sh ProvlL¢edby luserflnl actlvllles
Chpngelrt ¢&sh ojjdeash eqtslV8Its In fhe rnptsrtlngppriod
160,9161
140,8251
Cash eqwv•ltnts ot lh¢ hesTlnnln
ollh• iéportlng perlod
261.399
292,737
C8$h andc•sh wulvalents atthv¥nd
off Ihèwothiu perlod
202,8Y8
261,399
fA8LE TWO: RECQNCILIATION ON NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITLIREI
HFL
ROIA
ACTIVI
Nol In¢om$lor theTOPOrttngperlod l•spwlhestatemo111
of fln4ndal atle$j
Adlustmonts for..
14D,8291
r*¢lalknn thrges
Paypa
Ilncre&s8ydecrea¥e in debt(Y$
Increaselld8rrpa¥¢l in cr8ditors
5S45
713
11205.001
12698.001
S545
205Q
5673
14W ¢èsh pro¥ldedbyoperatlng•¢llvlNe5
158,5611
127.5611
TAbLE T
BEL. ANALYSIS OF CASH AND CASkl EQU¢VAL£NTS
Cath Ir¢ HBrd
202.838
261.39
Page 24
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Page 25
STATEMENT OF THE BRANCH COMMITTEE'S RESPONSIBILITIES.
Rule 3.3 of the R.S.P.C.A. Branch Rules (January 2003 edition) empowers
the Branch, subject to certain conditions, to raise funds in the name of the Branch
for the General or any special purposes of the Branch or for any purpose of the
Society or another Branch but all fundraising must be authorised by and reported
promptly to the Branch Committee.
Rule 7.1 provides that the Branch Committee as Charity trustees have
responsibility for the Branch and its property and funds.
Rule 11.1 requires that the Branch Committee musl comply with the
requirements of the Charities Act 2011 as to the keeping of financial records, the
audit or independent examination of accounts and the preparation and
transmission to the Charities Commission of-
annual reports.
annual returns,. and
annual statements of account.
Page 26
STATEMENT OF BRANCH RISKS MANAGEMENT POLICY
The main risks facing the Charity are-
Decreased retail income, combined with increased supply and utility
costs.
Loss of income through error or fraud.
Insufficient trustees for the branch to continue
(iv) Struggles facing charity shops (Dartford now closed)
(v}
Falling level of Door to Door contribution from national society
(vi) Loss of income through poor investment perforrnan.
It is the opinion of the trustees that the Branch's policies, prOdureS and
controls are adequate to mitigate financial loss through error or fraud and to
maintain the future financial viability of the Branch. The Branch has identified the
major risks to which it is exposed and has put into pla systems and procedures
to minimise the risks, as follows..
(a) Misa
ro
riation of funds. To prevent peculation of the Branch's
assets, it has set up an internal control system which requires
authorisation of all transactions by a person independent of the Branch
Treasurer. Income at the Branch's Shops is monitored by the recording
of receipts by an electronic till and a check of receipts is made at the end
of each working day by the Duty Manager. The Branch also maintains
an asset register for all Capital assets.
(b) Monitorin
of income to ensure that there are sufficlent resources
to meet commitments. The Branch Officer5 regularly monitor resources to
ensure that there are funds available to meet its commitments.
(c ) Reliance on Sources of 5ncome.
In 2012 The Branch purchased a property with the purpose of renting to
a tenant and producing additional income. During 2013 the Branch Trustees
agreed to lease the ground floor of 158, Parrock Street Gravesend on a
commercial basis. The lease was compleled in 2014. A new lease in respect
of the property was granted in 2017. Also, during the year 2013 the Branch
purchased the property 161 Windmill Street, Gravesend and this will in the
longer term eliminate the liability to pay rent on the property. During the year
the Branch Trustees reviewed the sustainability of its decision to take a
lease on new shop property in Dartford. The Trustees resolved that the shop
management could not sustain the shop for the term of a 5 year period and
took the decision to close the shop in November 2024.The Branch now rents
a total of four properties which continue to produce additional income for
the Branch. The Branch Trustees have set up an Income Generation Sub
Committee to plan for future income
Page 27
(d) Loss of Ke
Volunteers. The Branch has adopted a policy of recruiting
and training. where possible, additional volunteers to undertake various
duties that participate in running a Branch of the size and character of the
Kent,North West Branch of the RSPCA"
(e) Securi
of Sho
s. The Branch Twstees have improved the security of
Shop Assets by the installation of CCTV unils at each of the Branch
Charity Shops. In addition, each Shop has arrangements with the Local
Authority Shopping Security For and has radio contact with the Centre
should the need arise.
Page 28
STATEMENT OF BRANCH RESERVES POLICY.
The Branch's reserves policy is to maintain a level of free reseNes that will
enable-
Continuity of activity and.,
adjustments to significant Changes in the external economic
environment and..
increasing demands on our seNices.
A currenl Account balance in Ihe range of £10,000- £20,000 would be sufficient to
meet all arising commitments. A level of free reserves of between £200,000 and
£250,000 is deemed by the Branch Trusteesto be appropriate. In order to maintain
sufficient free reserves for L5se in furtherance of our charitable objects, it may be
necessary to sell one of our investment properties in the coming year. The
Trustees will seek formal professional advice to ensure that the correct decision
regarding our property holdings is made to take into account short and long term
needs.
During 2006, the Branch received a legacy from the estate of the late L.C.
Croucher. The legacy has a stipulation that the money should only be expended
on equipment to be used in the treatment of animals. The Branch Trustees have
therefore agreed that the legacy should be maintained in a separately idenlifiable
account within the Branch Funds and recorded as a Restricled Fund and should
be available, only for the purchase of equipment required in connection with the
meeting of the Branch's revised objectives. During 2024, no application was made
from the fund.
Page 29
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS, REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS
Report to the Trustees of The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals, Kent, North - West Branch (Charity No 210633)
I repori lo Ihe Charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above
charity for the year ended 31 December 2024 set out on pages 16 to 26.
Responsibillties and basis of report.
As the charity's trustees, 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 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)(b) of the
Act.
Independent examin8r's Statement.
I have completed my examlnation. I confimi that no material matters have come to my
attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in,
any material respect:
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 nol 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 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.
Stephen Fryer FCA
Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales
18June 2025
Hedley Dunk Limited,
Trinity House,
3, Bullace Lane,
DARTFORD,
Kent DA11BB.
Page 30
Page 31