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2023-12-31-accounts

Furness and Barrow Branch Annual Report 2023 Reg. Charity Number 232247

Board of Trustees

Executive/Branch Officers

Hon Chair: Mrs K. Unwin Hon Secretary: Ms M. Christopher Hon Treasurer: Mrs E. Brockway

Committee Members

Ms. M Round Fundraising - Co-Ordinator Mrs A. Reid - Cat Co-Ordinator

Mrs J. Christopher

Mrs C. Rigg

Mrs A. Round

Structure, Governance and Management

Furness and Barrow Branch is autonomous and operates within the Branch Rules and with connections to the National Body of the RSPCA.

The recruitment and appointment of Trustees is performed by inviting members of the local Branch to be on the committee. Nominations to stand for election are sent to all members before the AGM. Eligible members then elect Trustees of the Branch each year.

Policies and procedures for the training of the trustees are through written guidance from the National body. The Branch has 4-6 weekly committee meetings which are minuted.

The Branch is insured through a RSPCA national policy which perform tasks and assessments where necessary.

Selected members of our Branch attend group meetings with other branches in the Northwest region. Our regional board representative attends meetings in the region and addresses issues that arise which are relevant to the Branch.

We regularly update our Facebook and website pages with advice and information for our followers. We also advertise our Fundraising events which are very popular. The branch is in contact with other local groups that offer rehoming, pet finding and information.

The charity exists to promote animal welfare and prevent cruelty in the Furness area and provided a re-homing service for case and inspectorate sign overs for cats, dogs and small furries/ reptiles. work with dogs is limited due to lack of suitable kennel facilities. These objectives are largely performed through our advice centre. We promote neutering and welfare assistance towards veterinary care through our voucher system and our close working relationship with local vets. All animals we rehome are neutered, microchipped and inoculated. Our branch volunteers attend home visiting courses to assist with this aspect of our work.

The RSPCA Advice Centre at 106 Church Street, Barrow in Furness is open to the public on

Monday and Tuesday from 9.30 – 4.30 and Friday 9.30 – 3.30.

Fundraising and Events

In August Michelle took on the role of Fundraising Co-Ordinator. The branch felt this was much needed as we have been struggling with fundraising.

Michelle started organising events straight away the first event was held at Barrow Market where we had a stall for the day selling donation’s we had received plus we had handmade gifts and items for a raffle, a very successful event.

October was a very busy month with a Bingo/Raffle event, Norther Soul night and a Collection Day at Asda.

All have been very successful with a total amount of £1500 approximately raised for the Branch. These funds are much needed and will go towards food, neutering and inoculating the animals in our care.

Rehoming and Welfare

Rehoming

2023 was a busy year for rehoming we have rehomed a total of 67

Cats, 1 Dog and as well as several small furriers/reptiles.

Our holding pens are constantly in use, and we also have a number of fosterers taking care of our cats, helping to socialise and train them ready for their forever homes.

Welfare

We have noticed an increase in members of the public asking for our help with veterinary bills for treatment whether this is for emergencies or unexpected illnesses.

In 2023 issued 118 vouchers for for neutering and microchipping.

We have also helped several members of the public in need of financial assistance through no fault of their own.

We now have holding pens up and running, these are proving useful for us to take in cats that need treatment or help with recovery from injuries and for socialising ready to be rehomed.

We have very dedicated volunteers and staff who come in to take care of them, without their help this would be very difficult for us to do. We are grateful for the time and effort you put in every week.

Chairpersons Report

As a local branch we have passed through yet another difficult year of changes and accomplishments, with many cats and kittens requiring to be re-homed and looked after.

As Chairman I know the work and dedication that goes into running this branch and know that none of our achievements would be possible without our wonderful team of Trustees, Volunteers and our Admin lady Gill, who are always willing to go that little bit extra.

Gill, our new Admin lady has made the office super-efficient in her role and the office runs much more smoothly. Thank you, Gill.

Alex has recruited several volunteers recently to look after, socialise and foster the cats that we have in our care, and we thank you and all the volunteers for your continued dedication and commitment.

Michelle has also taken on the Fundraising role, which I’m sure everyone would like to thank her for that. She is doing a great job!

I would also like to thank Eve for looking after our accounts and getting them prepared in an efficient and timely manner. Thank you, Eve.

Also, thanks goes to Mandy for her secretary role, and she does a sterling job,

We now have a new Inspector called Stacey. I'm sure she’ll be visiting our branch sometime soon.

Kath Unwin

Hon. Chairperson

Secretary’s Report

2023 has been a good year for the branch.

We held 9 meetings throughout the year with all meetings well represented by committee members. At times with bad weather members have joined via video or call to enable the meetings to go ahead.

We welcomed Gill Simpson as our new Branch Administrator who has been fantastic from day one. She was thrown in at the deep end and is doing an amazing job at bringing organisation to the office and responding to all enquiries and requests for help from the public, all while getting to grips with how a RSPCA branch runs.

Alex Reid initially joined us as a volunteer fostering cats, she then became a trustee and in August she took over the cat rehoming co-ordinator role. Alex is brilliant in the role and has become a great member to have on the committee.

Michelle stepped down from being cat rehoming co-ordinator and took on the vital role of branch fundraiser helping to raise much needed funds for the branch. She has had great success with events including a northern soul night, raffle and collections at places including Asda.

Our main place of advertisement is our Facebook page which has 4.9k likes and 5.7k followers with 3.4k of those being from the barrow in Furness area.

We currently have 31 Members of our branch.

We have continued to support people in our local area by providing vouchers for veterinary care, neutering and microchipping. We also continue to trap, neuter and rehome or release stray cats and feel between us and the other local charities we are making a difference to the stray numbers.

I feel the branch has done some great things in 2023 all made possible by our members, trustees, staff, fosterers and volunteers.

Mandy Christopher

Hon. Secretary

Treasurers Introduction to the annual accounts

2023 has again been a busy year for us, we started the year quite low on funds and although we had been receiving donations through re homing and fundraising, we felt this wasn’t going to be enough to cover our everyday running costs. Veterinary and energy bills in particular cost more. So, in April we took the decision to transfer £20,000 from our savings account to help keep us afloat.

Since then, we have also received our annual grant from headquarters totalling £19,634 and we gratefully received £15,014 as a bequest in December from the Bond Estate. We are always so very grateful to receive bequests which we use to help animals in our area either by medical treatment, rehoming and neutering and microchipping.

Our general bank account now is thankfully much healthier so we can continue in the work we do.

Since Michelle has taken on the role of fundraiser for the branch, we have had several successful events totalling a little over £1500 which is a great start considering Michelle only took the role on in August.

We have received approximately £3300 in donations from rehoming and dog boxes.

Outgoings for 2023 haven’t changed very much, surprisingly we spent £7000 less on veterinary costs compared to 2022, energy costs have increased by around £250 for the year.

Now that we have our own holding pens and a catio with thanks to Sharon for taking the time to build it for us. We have spent quite a lot less on cattery fees, this will also be because we are no longer fostering dogs at this moment in time.

I would like to thank all our volunteers for their hard work and dedication, Our trustees for their continued support. Also thank you to Gill for all her hard work the office is now running much more smoothly and efficiently.

Eve Brockway

Hon. Treasurer

Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Furness and Barrow Branch

Year Ended 31 December 2023

Index

Independent Examiner’s Report To the Trustees of Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

We report on the accounts of Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on pages 18 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 year under the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed.

Basis of independent examiner’s report

Our examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. 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 trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently we do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent examiner’s statement

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

  1. which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act, and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act

  4. have not been met; or

  5. to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Anita Brook R.F Miller & Co Doubletree Court 10A Cavendish Street Ulverston LA12 7AD Dated : 4 June 2024

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Furness and Barrow Branch

Charity No 232247

Statement of financial activities

for the year ended 31 December 2023
Incoming resources
Voluntary income
Donations Furness and Barrow
Grant received from headquarters
Bequests
Activities for generating funds
Special efforts - Furness and Barrow
Sundries including sale of goods
Investment Income
Interest received
Resources expended
Governance costs
Contributions to headquarters
Accountancy
Other resources expended
Telephone
Veterinary expenses and pet crematorium
Rents and rates
Insurance
Heat and light
Salaries
Licence - lotteries
Centre expenses
Repairs and renewals
Bank charges
Sundries
Cattery
Donation - NOWZAD
VAT not recoverable
Excess of income over expenditure
Balance brought forward from previous year
Balance at end of year		 £
£
19,812
19,634
15,014
54,459
384
-
384
3,205
58,048
-
520
520
643
17,029
303
691
2,492
13,395
28
4,113
606
90
63
2,776
-
-
42,230
42,750
15,298
241,944
257,242
Unrestricted
Funds
2023		 £
£
9,861
15,618
25,479
-
-
1,182
26,661
485
485
536
24,309
303
682
1,251
10,187
-
3,873
616
56
253
10,189
-
-
52,255
52,740
(26,079)
268,023
241,944
Unrestricted
Funds
2022		 £
£
9,861
15,618
25,479
-
-
1,182
26,661
485
485
536
24,309
303
682
1,251
10,187
-
3,873
616
56
253
10,189
-
-
52,255
52,740
(26,079)
268,023
241,944
Unrestricted
Funds
2022
384
-		 -
-
520		 485
26,661
485
52,255
643
17,029
303
691
2,492
13,395
28
4,113
606
90
63
2,776
-
-		 536
24,309
303
682
1,251
10,187
-
3,873
616
56
253
10,189
-
-
52,740
(26,079)
268,023
241,944

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Furness and Barrow Branch

Charity No 232247

Balance Sheet

at 31 December 2023

at 31 December 2023
Fixed assets
Property RSPCA Centre, Church Street
Barrow in Furness - at cost
Rabbit Facility - at cost
Two Tier Holding Pen (24/01/22)
Two Tier Holding Pen (15/03/22)
Total fixed assets
Current assets
Debtors
Prepayments
VAT
Investments
Charity annual bonus 90 account (FBS)
Fixed bond deposit account (FBS)
1 year fixed rate bond (CBS)
30 day notice deposit (CBS)
Cash at bank
HSBC General account
Petty cash
Total current assets
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Sundry creditors
Accruals
Net assets
Represented by
Funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds
As at 31 December 2023
Add
Excess of income over expenditure
for the year
Total funds as at 31 December 2023		 £
£
20,156
7,787
873
2,618
31,433
-
-
58,723
30,669
52,585
42,358
184,334
42,279
39
226,653
844
257,242
241,944
15,298
257,242
Unrestricted
Funds
2023		 £
£
20,156
7,787
873
2,618
31,433
367
57,343
49,850
52,219
41,717
201,129
9,507
9
211,011
500
241,944
268,023
(26,079)
241,944
Unrestricted
Funds
2022
241,944

I approve the financial information.

I acknowledge my responsibility for the financial information, including the appropriateness of the accounting basis as set out and for providing R F Miller & Co with all the information and explanations necessary for its completion.

The financial information was approved on

Signed

Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Furness and Barrow Branch

Year Ended 31 December 2023

Index

Independent Examiner’s Report To the Trustees of Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

We report on the accounts of Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on pages 18 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 year under the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed.

Basis of independent examiner’s report

Our examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. 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 trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently we do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent examiner’s statement

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

  1. which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act, and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act

  4. have not been met; or

  5. to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Anita Brook R.F Miller & Co Doubletree Court 10A Cavendish Street Ulverston LA12 7AD Dated : 4 June 2024

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Furness and Barrow Branch

Charity No 232247

Statement of financial activities

for the year ended 31 December 2023
Incoming resources
Voluntary income
Donations Furness and Barrow
Grant received from headquarters
Bequests
Activities for generating funds
Special efforts - Furness and Barrow
Sundries including sale of goods
Investment Income
Interest received
Resources expended
Governance costs
Contributions to headquarters
Accountancy
Other resources expended
Telephone
Veterinary expenses and pet crematorium
Rents and rates
Insurance
Heat and light
Salaries
Licence - lotteries
Centre expenses
Repairs and renewals
Bank charges
Sundries
Cattery
Donation - NOWZAD
VAT not recoverable
Excess of income over expenditure
Balance brought forward from previous year
Balance at end of year		 £
£
19,812
19,634
15,014
54,459
384
-
384
3,205
58,048
-
520
520
643
17,029
303
691
2,492
13,395
28
4,113
606
90
63
2,776
-
-
42,230
42,750
15,298
241,944
257,242
Unrestricted
Funds
2023		 £
£
9,861
15,618
25,479
-
-
1,182
26,661
485
485
536
24,309
303
682
1,251
10,187
-
3,873
616
56
253
10,189
-
-
52,255
52,740
(26,079)
268,023
241,944
Unrestricted
Funds
2022		 £
£
9,861
15,618
25,479
-
-
1,182
26,661
485
485
536
24,309
303
682
1,251
10,187
-
3,873
616
56
253
10,189
-
-
52,255
52,740
(26,079)
268,023
241,944
Unrestricted
Funds
2022
384
-		 -
-
520		 485
26,661
485
52,255
643
17,029
303
691
2,492
13,395
28
4,113
606
90
63
2,776
-
-		 536
24,309
303
682
1,251
10,187
-
3,873
616
56
253
10,189
-
-
52,740
(26,079)
268,023
241,944

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Furness and Barrow Branch

Charity No 232247

Balance Sheet

at 31 December 2023

at 31 December 2023
Fixed assets
Property RSPCA Centre, Church Street
Barrow in Furness - at cost
Rabbit Facility - at cost
Two Tier Holding Pen (24/01/22)
Two Tier Holding Pen (15/03/22)
Total fixed assets
Current assets
Debtors
Prepayments
VAT
Investments
Charity annual bonus 90 account (FBS)
Fixed bond deposit account (FBS)
1 year fixed rate bond (CBS)
30 day notice deposit (CBS)
Cash at bank
HSBC General account
Petty cash
Total current assets
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Sundry creditors
Accruals
Net assets
Represented by
Funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds
As at 31 December 2023
Add
Excess of income over expenditure
for the year
Total funds as at 31 December 2023		 £
£
20,156
7,787
873
2,618
31,433
-
-
58,723
30,669
52,585
42,358
184,334
42,279
39
226,653
844
257,242
241,944
15,298
257,242
Unrestricted
Funds
2023		 £
£
20,156
7,787
873
2,618
31,433
367
57,343
49,850
52,219
41,717
201,129
9,507
9
211,011
500
241,944
268,023
(26,079)
241,944
Unrestricted
Funds
2022
241,944

I approve the financial information.

I acknowledge my responsibility for the financial information, including the appropriateness of the accounting basis as set out and for providing R F Miller & Co with all the information and explanations necessary for its completion.

The financial information was approved on

Signed