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2024-12-31-accounts

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Page Page
Trustees report 5
Independent examiners’ report 9
Statement of financial activities 10
Balance sheet 11
Notes to the accounts
12

Page 2 of 18

RSPCA BURTON UPON TRENT & DISTRICT BRANCH LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Registered Charity Name RSPCA Burton Upon Trent and District Branch
Charity Number
232234
Trustees Mrs P Pratt - Resigned as chair on 22/05/24, still a trustee
Mrs A Whitehurst - Appointed acting chair 18/03/25
Mr P Jackson - Appointed chair 22/05/24, resigned 10/03/25
Mrs L Ferguson
Mrs M Pitchfork
Mrs P Tyler
Mrs L McDermott
Mrs K Hartley-Dunn (Treasurer)
Animal Centre Manager Mrs L Darling
Branch Manager/CEO
Swadlincote Shop Manager Mrs A Allen
Burton Shop Manager
Mrs J Richmond - Resigned 18/05/2024
Mrs A Davidson - Appointed 18/05/2024
Operations Co-Ordinator Mr A Ashton
Registered Address
Hillfeld Animal Home
Hillfeld Lane
Stretton
Staffordshire
DE13 0BN
Accountants Boffx & Co Accountancy Ltd
2 Charnwood Street
Derby
Derbyshire
DE1 2GT

Page 3 of 18

RSPCA BURTON UPON TRENT & DISTRICT BRANCH LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Bankers NatWest Bank 159 High Street Burton Upon Trent Staffordshire DE14 1JG The Co-Operative Bank 31 East Street Derby Derbyshire DE1 2AL Nationwide Bank 163 High Street Burton-on-Trent DE14 1JE

Page 4 of 18

RSPCA BURTON UPON TRENT & DISTRICT BRANCH TRUSTEE’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Objects and Public Benefit Statement

The RSPCA Burton upon Trent & 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 the areas of Burton upon Trent, Lichfield, Tamworth, Uttoxeter and Ashby de la Zouch.

The objects of the branch are to promote the work and objects of the Society – to promote kindness and to prevent or suppress cruelty to animals by all lawful means – with 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 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Commission.

Structure and Management

A Committee, elected at the AGM governs the branch, 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 monthly meetings at which decisions are made. Day to day running of the animal centre is delegated to a full-time manager. Each of the two shops have their own manager and part time deputy manager.

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 the majority of such risk are those concerned with Health and Safety.

Advancement of Animal Welfare

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. 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 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.

Page 5 of 18

RSPCA BURTON UPON TRENT & DISTRICT BRANCH TRUSTEE’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Charitable Activities Pursued for the Public Benefit

We support our local Inspectors by taking in, free of charge, 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 to humankind as a whole.

Animals in our care receive veterinary treatment, vaccination, worming, neutering, microchipping and are assessed for rehoming. This work helps to control the incidence and spread of disease and suffering through vaccination and neutering.

We rehome animals in need at low cost to people willing and able to have a companion animal. Whilst we recognise that companion animals provide measurable benefits to people’s physical and mental health, we consider the provision of pets as subsidiary to the main charitable aim of this service, which is to reduce the animal suffering. 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 objects, to rehome to those who could not afford them.

We take in, free of charge, lost animals (except for dogs, as these are the responsibility of the local council authority) 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 advising members of the public the best way to care for their pets and issuing free of charge leaflet guidance. The public benefits through the promotion of responsible pet ownership.

Within the terms of our governing document, we support the National Society and other RSPCA Branches by collaborating on the redistribution of animals waiting to be rehomed.

We provide volunteering opportunities for those who wish to support our work, including trusteeship, home visiting, dog walking, animal socialisation, animal care, fostering and fundraising. These benefit local people and companies by providing the possibility of doing work which is compassionate and rewarding.

Achievements and Performance

In the year 2024 we have accepted 397 animals into our care, 286 cats, 80 dogs, 23 rabbits and 8 guinea pigs. We rehomed 269 cats, 82 dogs, 24 rabbits and 8 guinea pigs. We put to sleep 9 cats, 2 rabbits and 7 dogs, one dog died in the shelter and five cats.

In comparison to 2023, our income saw an increase, primarily driven by substantial legacy contributions. However, expenditures also rose, reflecting our commitment to maintaining high standards of animal care, including staffing and veterinary expenses. Furthermore, unforeseen property maintenance costs associated with the Swadlincote shop necessitated a strategic decision to relocate to a new premises within the town. This transition incurred one-time setup costs, which were absorbed to ensure the continuity of our presence and long-term financial stability. Additionally, in 2024, we enhanced our events revenue by implementing a schedule of smaller, more frequent fairs and events.

Page 6 of 18

RSPCA BURTON UPON TRENT & DISTRICT BRANCH TRUSTEE’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Financial Report

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting which applies the Financial Reporting Standard (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014.

Reserves Policy

The branch holds reserves to facilitate the continuous provision of animal care through the Animal Home at Stretton for as long as possible against anticipation that expenditure will continue to exceed income, mitigated only by legacy receipts. Reserves are those funds which are freely available for general purposes and are uncommitted. The trustees have established a policy of holding reserves of unrestricted funds equivalent to a minimum of two years based on the average trading deficit, before legacies and exceptional costs, of the last two years OR to maintain a minimum of one year’s CASH reserves based on the average total annual expenditure of the last two years, whichever is greater. To maintain this policy, the trustees continue to exercise care in managing resources, particularly when incurring and authorising expenditure and, when possible, restoring reserves from any legacy money and receipts. The trustees monitor this policy by reviewing the level of reserves and existing policy at least once each year or sooner on receipt of any legacy more than £25,000. Review date to be the first full committee meeting following production of the Annual Accounts.

Investment Policy

The trustees having regard to the reserves policy have operated a policy of keeping available funds in an interest-bearing deposit account.

Financial Review

A detailed breakdown of all income and expenditure incurred during the year is shown in the Financial Statements attached to this report.

Risk Register

The biggest risk for the branch remains the continuing operating deficit and the effect this has on branch funds. Without legacies the branch risks running out of funds in the medium term and this is something we need to keep under constant review. In summary the key risks are:

Financial activities during the year resulted in an increase in the level of reserves by £681,974. In 2023, reserves increased by £39,072. The increase in reserves relates to a £836k increase in income and an increase of £193k in costs. Reserves as at 31st December 2024 were £1,434,208 (£752,234 as at 1st January 2024).

It is important to highlight that, although reserves have grown substantially over the year, a significant portion of this increase is attributable to a legacy income provision, meaning the corresponding cash inflow has yet to be realised.

Page 7 of 18

RSPCA BURTON UPON TRENT & DISTRICT BRANCH TRUSTEE’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Future Plans

The main objective for the whole team will be to help to build financial sustainability for the branch, whilst improving the services we provide to both the community and to the animals we care for. The primary focus for 2025 is ensuring stability after the significant investment of time, resources and costs incurred during the 2024 project to relocate the Swadlincote shop.

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:

The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy, the financial position for 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 Trustees are responsible to have regard to the Charity Commission’s public benefit guidance and to report on their charity’s public benefit. The Branch’s objective falls within description (k): the advancement of animals’ welfare of the charitable purposes in the Charities Act 2011.

The trustees have studied the principles of Public Benefit and are satisfied that the charity fulfils these.

Page 8 of 18

RSPCA BURTON UPON TRENT & DISTRICT BRANCH TRUSTEE’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 December 2020, which are set out on pages 12 to 19.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this period under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

• examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act

• to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act

• to state whether particular matters have come to my attention

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission.

An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the next statement. Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

• to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act and

• to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting

requirements of the 2011 Act

have not been met or

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached

Boffix and Co Accountancy

2 Charnwood Street

Derby

DE1 2GT

Date:

Page 9 of 18

RSPCA BURTON UPON TRENT & DISTRICT BRANCH STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Un-
Restricted
Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds 2024 2023
Notes
£
£ £ £
Incoming Resources:
Donations and legacies 2 999,554 999,554 185,046
Charitable activities 3 176,017 176,017 145,340
Other trading activities 4 248,353 248,353 259,029
Investment income 5 3,527 48 3,575 2,121
1,427,452 48 1,427,499 591,536
Resources Expended:
Raising funds 6 219,411 219,411 125,086
Charitable activities 7 526,114 - 526,114 427,181
Total expenditure 745,525 - 745,525 552,267
Net movement in funds 681,927 48 681,974 39,072
Total funds at 1 January
2024
743,950 8,284 752,234 713,162
Total funds at 31
December 2024
1,425,877 8,332 1,434,208 752,234

Page 10 of 18

RSPCA BURTON UPON TRENT & DISTRICT BRANCH BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

2024 2023
Notes £ £
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 11 214,175 224,666
Current assets
Debtors 12 1,019,271 138,448
Cash at bank and in hand 253,758 393,116
Creditors
Amounts falling due within one 13 (52,998) (3,997)
year
Total net assets 1,434,206 752,233
Funds
Restricted funds 14 8,332 8,284
Unrestricted funds 14 1,425,877 743,950
1,434,208 752,234

The accounts were approved by the Board on:

Mrs A Whitehurst:

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Page 11 of 18

RSPCA BURTON UPON TRENT & DISTRICT BRANCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes to the accounts

1 Accounting policies

a. Basis of preparation

RSPCA Burton Upon Trent & District Branch is a charity registered in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is given in the legal and administrative information on page 3 of these accounts. The nature of the operations of the charity and their principal activities are set out in the Trustees’ Report on page 5.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16[th] July 2014 (as updated through Update Bulletin 1 published on 2[nd] February 2016), the Financial Reporting Standard appliable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice as it applies from 1[st] January 2015.

The charity has applied Update Bulletin 1 published on 2[nd] February 2016 and does not include a Statement of Cash Flows on the grounds that it is applying FRS 102 Section 1A.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £1.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

b. Incoming resources

Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity is entitled to the income after performance conditions have been met, it is probably that it will be received, and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Donations are recognised on a receivable basis where the receipt of the donation is probable and can be measured reliably.

Investment income is earned through the holding of assets for investment purposes such as bank deposits. Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method.

c. Resources Expended

Expenditure is accounted for on the accruals basis and has been listed under headings that aggregate all the costs related to that activity.

Costs of generating funds are those costs incurred in attracting voluntary income. Charitable activities include expenditure directly associated with animal welfare and related projects and support costs relating to those activities.

Governance costs are those incurred in connection with the management of the charity and its assets, organisation administration and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

Page 12 of 18

RSPCA BURTON UPON TRENT & DISTRICT BRANCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulative depreciation and any accumulative impairment losses. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, other than freehold land, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less any estimated residual value, of each asset evenly over its expected useful life as follows:

Land – No Depreciation Buildings – 2% on cost Motor vehicles – 25% on cost

Equipment – 10% reducing balance

Restricted funds are accounted for in accordance with the terms of trust arising from the express or implied wishes of donors in so far as these are intended to be binding on the trustees.

Unrestricted funds are available for the charity to use at the discretion of the trustees to meet the objectives of the charity.

The charity is registered for VAT. All income and expenses include VAT where applicable. The charity is exempt for the purposes of UK corporation tax per Schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and it is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010.

The charity is also entitled to recover the tax paid by donors, member and customers whose donations or purchases are gift aided.

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the date of the balance sheet where it is probable that, as a result of a past event, there is an obligation for the transfer of economic benefit to settle the liability.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount the charity expects it will pay to settle the debt and where this can be estimated reliably.

h. Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from the signing of the financial statements.

The budgeted amount of income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

Page 13 of 18

RSPCA BURTON UPON TRENT & DISTRICT BRANCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Donations 73,750 5,769 79,519 113,195
Legacies 920,035 - 920,035 71,851
Charity shop donations - - - -
Income received 993,785 5,769 999,554 185,046

3 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Adoptions 66,776 - 66,776 60,108
Veterinary services 109,241 - 109,241 68,790
Other - - - 16,442
Income received 176,017 - 176,017 145,340
me from other trading activities
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Animal centre sales - - - -
Fundraising events 18,888 - 18,888 10,918
Charity shop income 224,951 - 224,951 247,991
Other 4,514 - 4,514 120
Income received 248,353 - 248,353 259,029

4 Income from other trading activities

Page 14 of 18

RSPCA BURTON UPON TRENT & DISTRICT BRANCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

5 Income from investments

me from investments
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Interest received on cash
deposits
3,527 48
3,575
2,121
Income received 3,527 48 3,575 2,121

6 Analysis of expenditure on raising funds

Activities Grant Support Unrestricte Unrestricte
undertaken Funding costs d funds d funds
directly Total Total
2024 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Raising funds 13,144 - 206,267 219,411 125,086
Total resources Expended 13,144 - 206,267 219,411 125,086
lysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Activities Grant Support Unrestricte Unrestricte
undertaken Funding costs d funds d funds
directly Total Total
2024 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Charitable activities 110,081 - 416,034 526,114 427,378
Total resources Expended 110,081 - 416,034 526,114 427,378

7 Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Page 15 of 18

RSPCA BURTON UPON TRENT & DISTRICT BRANCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

8 Support costs

port costs
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds Total funds Total
2024 2023
£ £
Office costs
Staff costs 367,103 294,961
Property costs 164,373 136,243
Telephone costs 2,750 2,757
Motor expenses 6,243 3,517
Computer expenses 2,728 1,892
Administrative expenditures 26,070 23,303
Professional costs 50,173 1,462
Accountancy services 2,860 2,469
Resources Expended 622,300 466,604

9 Trustees’ and key management personnel remuneration and expenses

None of the trustees received any remuneration during the year (2023: £0). Expenses amounting to (2023: £0) were reimbursed to (2023: 0) trustees during the year for travel and support costs.

10 Staff costs

2024 2023
£ £
Wages and Salaries 361,235 289,807
Social security costs 3,912 3,436
Pensions 1,956 1,718
Total 367,103 294,961

The charity employed 20 staff during 2024 (2023: 16).

Of these employees 0 staff earned above £60,000 during the period (2023: 0).

Page 16 of 18

RSPCA BURTON UPON TRENT & DISTRICT BRANCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

11 Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 January 2024
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2024
Depreciation
At 1 January 2024
Charge for year
On disposals
At 31 December 2024
Net book value at 31
December 2024
Net book value at 1
January 2024
Land Buildings
Motor
vehicles
Equipment Website
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
7,000390,268
10,520
86,091
4,755498,634
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7,000390,268
10,520
86,091
4,755498,634
-204,286
10,520
56,304
2,858 273,968
-
7,301
-
2,979
211
10,491
-
-
-
-
-
-
- 211,587
10,520
59,283
3,069 284,459
7,000 178,681
-
26,808
1,686 214,175
7,000 185,982
-
29,787
1,897 224,666

12 Debtors

tors
Total 2024 Total 2023
£ £
Legacies 940,816 99,280
Other debtors 78,455 39,168
1,019,271 138,448

Page 17 of 18

RSPCA BURTON UPON TRENT & DISTRICT BRANCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

13 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Total 2024 Total 2023
£ £
Trade creditors 14,675 -
Other creditors 38,323 3,997
52,998 3,997

14 Summary of fund movements

Funds Income Expenditure Transfers Funds
brought carried
forward forward
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds 743,950 1,427,452 745,525 - 1,425,877
Restricted funds 8,284 48 - - 8,332
Total resources Expended 752,234 1,427,499 745,525 - 1,434,208

15 Capital commitments

As of the year end date of 31 December 2024, there are no capital commitments that the charitable company has that are contracted for but not provided in the financial statements (2023: £0).

16 Related party transactions

During the year the company made no transactions to any related parties (2023: £0).

Page 18 of 18