Charity number: 226711 ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS STAFFORD, WOLVERHAMPTON AND DISTRICT BRANCH UNAUDITED TRUSTEES. REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 WR Partners Protecting your f uture.
ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS STAFFORD WOLVERHAMPTON AND DISTRICT BRANCH CONTENTS Page Reference and administrati'4e details of the charity. its trustees and advisers Trustees, report Independent examiner's report Receipts and payments Statement of assets and liabilities Notes to the financial statements
ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS STAFFORD WOLVERHAMPTON AND DISTRICT BRANCH REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Trustees Mr J Bamett (resigned 14 September 2024) Mrs J Barnett (resigned 14 September 2024) Mr G Rogers Mrs T Rogers Ms S Lunn Mrs M Hall Ms E White Charity registered number 226711 Principal address RSPCA Stafford Wolverhampton & District PO Box 7190 Huntington Cannock WS12 9HB Accountants WR Partners Chartered Accountants Belmont House Shrewsbury Business Park Shrewsbury Shropshire SY2 6LG Page 1
ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS STAFFORD WOLVERHAMPTON AND DISTRICT BRANCH TRUSTEES. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Jntroductlon The RSPCA Staiiord Wolverhampton & District Branch registered charity number 226711 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 within the regions of Stafford and Wolverhampton. The Branch is govemed by the National RSPCA branch rules effective 18 February 2009. The objectives of the Branch are to promote the work and objectives of the Society (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (219099)) - to promote kindness and to prevent or supreso cruelty to animals by all lawful means with particular reference to the regions of Stafford and Wolverhampton, in accordance within the policies of the Society. Public Benefit 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 2011 to have due regard to the revised public benefit guidance published by the Commission. Under the Charities Act 2011. the advancement of animal welfare is recognised as a distinct statutory charitable purpose. This legislation and the Animal Welfare Act 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 someb.mes difficult to quantify and must be balanced against any detriment. 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 and email. The public benefits through the promotion of responsible pet ownership. Structure, Governance and Mangement The branch actively advertises Trustee roles on our website, the National RSPCA website, our social media pages and volunteer recruitment sites. The Branch Gonstitution requires five Trustees to be elected by the branch members at an AGM. All Trustees are given a copy of the Charity Commissions guidance Yhe Essential Trustee" and there is a Trustee Toolkit available to all on the National RSPCA'S intemal internet which gives advi. guidan and training on all aspects of being a Trustee of a RSPCA Branch. All Trustees have a copy of the RSPCA Branch Rules which they can refer to as and en required. Page 2
ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS STAFFORD WOLVERHAMPTON AND DISTRICT BRANCH TRUSTEES, REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Objectives and Activites The Branch supports our local Inspectors and Animal Rescue offirS by taking in, free of charge, mistreated, neglected or abandoned cats, induding cats whose owners suffer ill health, financial difficulties or pass away. Cats in our care receive veterinary treatment, vaccinations, neutering, microchipping and are assessed ior rehoming. 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. Review of the Year Animal V4elfare Assistance The RSPCA Stafford Wolverhampton & District rehomed 130 cats and 3 rabbits in 2024 which is down on 2023 we assume this is down to the cost of living continuing to rise and also the fact that we had to shut down the cattery at Rodbaston at the end of September due to it being in disrepair and not providing adequate welfare condition for our cats. We have provided a large amount of rehabilitation to cats in our care to enable them to be successfully rehomed. Our animal intake via the Inspectorate was up on 2023 at 33% inspectorate intske. As Trustees we made the decision again in 2024 to continue intake of animals under branch welfare concem from members of the public to ensure our cat peris and fosterers were fully Litilised throughout the year totalling an intake of 109 cats. Others were referred via vets when they were found as sid( or injured strays. This overall animal intake is lower than in 2023 due to not having a cattery facility for the last quarter of the year. We increased branch attendarice at tndrdising events in 2024 wtri111 allowed us to reinstate branch welfare assistsnce and run a dog neuter campaign for XL Bullies following on from the change in legislation regarding this breed of dog. We also continued to contribute via the West Midlands Regional Board to the joint cat neuter venture with Cats Protection, the West Midlands Cat Neuter Scheme. The area RSPCA Stafford Wolverhampton & District Branch covers is the highest user of this scheme for cat neutering. However Cats Protection pulled out of this scheme during 2024 and the branch took the decision to continue offering neutering assistance for cat to members of the public on means tested benefits. The merger with RSPCA Walsall in 2023 has added extra pressure to the branch the area previously covered by RSPCA Walsall is a high need area which does not offer many opportunities for the branch to fundraise in. Page 3
ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS STAFFORD WOLVERHAMPTON AND DISTRICT BRANCH TRUSTEES, REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Income Generation The branch once again increased their attendance at fvndraising events during 2024 which enabled the branch to generate more income. The branch attended as many as possible other fundraising events, fetes, carnivals etc and also attended their first car boot sale. The branch is looking to recruit more fundraising volunteers during 2025 to enable attendance at more events. It is still the intention to recruit a Fundraising Co-ordinator to explore other avenues of fundraising and increase income going forward. Catte Pro ect Unfortunately the relocation of the branch cattery stalled during 2024 due to the college having redevelopment work which required completion prior to our cattery being moved. There is still £300,000 ringfenced for this project. Volunteers The branch held an in-person AGM in 2024 which was a great success. The Trustee Board remained stable in 2024 with 5 Trustees. Two Trustees sadly decided to resign in 2024 due to family pressure. We have a small group of volunteers in addition to the Trustees that we would like to thank for their continued time, effort and support for the Branch animals. It has been challenging over the last few years and we have been lucky to have dedicated volunteers within the branch. We are looking to increase our volunteer numbers in 2025 to support the work of the Branch and enable our long-term objectives. Thanks, is also extended to all Inspectors, Animal Rescue Officers and all the staff at RSPCA that have provided advice and support throughout the year. Page 4
ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS STAFFORD WOLVERHAMPTON AND DISTRICT BRANCH TRUSTEES, REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Review of the Charity's Financial Position The Branch received income of £118,884 (2023: £518,633) after expenditure this gives a net income of £47,023 (2023: £434,146). Branch contributions totalling £3,308 (2023: £6,064) were made. The previous years accounts were produced under the accruals system of accounting due to the merger taking the charity's income above the Receipts and Payments maximum level. As the income has now retumed to the lower level expected. we have reverted this year to the Receipts and Payments system of accounts reporting. This has meant that the prior year figures have been restated to remove the prior vear accountancy accrual. Risks The Trustees examine the major risks that are faced when they consider their plans for the utilisation for the resources of the Branch. The Trustees consider that there are systems in place to mitigate the impact any risks may have on the future activities of the Branch. Reserves Policy The Branch holds reserves in order that the levels of service provided for animal welfare may be maintsined should there be a reduction in incoming resources. Reserves in this context mean funds that are freely available for the Branch's general purposes after all commitments have been meL It is the opinion of the Trustees that existing reserves are sufficient to meet any reduction in incoming resources. We acknowledge that we are holding reserves in excess of 5 years. The Committee's lon.ger-tenm objectives are to increase the facility for housing cats available for rehoming. In 2022 we took the decision to ringfence the sum of £152,500 with an additional £150,000 added in 2023. From this. £3,857 has been spent towards the Cattery provision during this year, leaving a designated balance of £285,177. Free reserves net of designated funds stands at £286,422 at the Yearnd (2023: £232,522 (restated)). Going Concern After making appropriate enquiries. the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existen for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concem basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies. Page 5
ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS STAFFORD WOLVERHAMPTON AND DISTRICT BRANCH INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of The Royal Society for the Prevention of Animals I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 7 to 9. The report is made solely to the charitys trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and regulations made under section 154 of that Ad. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charivs trustees those matters l am required to state to them in an Independent Examiners Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest axtent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charitys trustees as a body, for my work or for this report. Responsibilities 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 charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 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 examine$ statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or the accounts do not accord with those records. 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. Signed: Dated: 21 /05/2025 T Lunt BA FCCA MTPI WR Partners Chartered Accountant8 Belmont House Shrewsbury Business Park Shropshire SY2 6LG Page 6
ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS STAFFORD WOLVERHAMPTON AND DISTRICT BRANCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (restated) 2023 Total 2024 Restricted Unrestricted Total Recei Subscriptions, donations and collections Investment income 107.395 11,489 107,395 11,489 137,694 4,671 Other income - Funds from Walsall branch transfer 376,268 118.884 118,884 518,633 Pa ments Veterinary fees Welfare 2,949 Branch 29,001 Fostering and boarding expenses Branch contribution Printing, postage and stationery Accountancy fees Fundraising Costs Travel Recruitment and wages costs Insurance Bank charges Cattery Project costs Other expenditure= Other 640 2,400 31,309 17.933 3,308 1,763 2.424 4,872 1,353 31.949 20,333 3,308 1,763 2,424 4,872 1,353 25,060 27,272 6,064 102 1,962 4,306 1,620 3.393 660 55 11,503 1,459 60 3,857 1,459 60 3,857 483 483 2,490 3.040 68,821 71,861 84,487 Net receipts l (payments) for the year (3,040) 50,063 47,023 434, 146 transfers between funds Cash funds at last year end 149,564 521,556 671,120 236.974 Cash funds this year end 146,524 571,619 718.143 671, 720 Page 7
ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTYTO ANIMALS STAFFORD WOLVERHAMPTON AND DISTRICT BRANCH STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (restated) 2023 2024 Cash Funds CAF Cash Account CAF Gold Account Barclays Community Account Coop Lloyds Dudley Building Society 5,000 474,770 64,939 92,613 5,822 75,000 718,143 5,000 414,767 98,140 60,000 93,213 671, 120 Funds Anal sis 2024 Designated Restricted Unrestricted 2023 Total Total Cash funds 285,177 146.524 286,442 718,143 671, 120 Total 285,177 146,524 286,442 718,143 671,120 Signed and approved on behalf of the trustees, by: Trustee Trustee Date: 18/051 zo?s- Date: 161s12£ Page 8
ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS STAFFORD WOLVERHAMPTON AND DISTRICT BRANCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 1.1 Basis of Preparation of Accounts The financial statements have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis. The comparative figures relate to the year ended 31 December 2023. 1.2 Voluntary Income No account of voluntary income is taken prior to it having been received. 2 Trustee Remuneration During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration (2023 - £Nil) During the year, no Trustees received any benefits in kind (2023 - £Nil) During the year there were nil trustee expenses reimbursed (2023 - Nil) Related Party Transactions There have been no related party transactions during the year (2023: £nil). Funds The Designated funds have been ring fenced to help acheive the objective to increase the facility for housing cats available for rehoming and creating a sustainable income stream in the form of a shop. The restricted funds relate to funds transferred over on the merger that is to be spent on care in the Walsall area and on efforts to recruit more fosterers in the Walsall area. The fund is restricted for 3 years from 6 March 2023. Page 9