## **Registered Charity Number 232249 Annual Report Year ending 31[st] December 2024** 1 ## **A word from our Chair of Trustees………..** I am pleased and proud to introduce our Trustees’ annual report and accounts for 2024. With the continuing national financial crisis and the ever increasing cost of private vet care, more and more people are contacting our low cost welfare vet clinic desperate for help to care for their pets. Despite these challenging times the Branch has continued its commitment to provide its vital work to improve the welfare of animals. Once again, I extend my thanks to our trustees, volunteers and supporters who selflessly give up their time, money and expertise to help those animals most in need of our care and support and to make a real difference to the lives of so many animals in our local area. Also, thanks to our wonderful staff who work tirelessly to ensure we provide the best possible support to pets and their owners in our branch area. ## **Gerry Miles Chair of Trustees RSPCA Wigan, Leigh & District Branch** 2 ## **Branch Trustees** - Ms G Miles - Chairperson - Ms P Abbott - Treasurer - Ms R Blundell - Secretary - Mr G Abbott - Ms J Clark - Mr S Gilmore - Ms D Haunch - Ms L Watmough Ms D McCabe - RSPCA Senior Branch Partnership Manager ## **Accountants** NRB 1[st] Floor Waterside House Waterside Drive Wigan WN3 5AZ ## **Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities** The trustees of the Charity are responsible for preparation of the annual Financial Statement and Trustee Report which give a true and fair view of the Charity’s financial activities during the year and its financial position at the end of the year, in accordance with the charity’s governing document, ‘’Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice’’ (FRS 102)(effective 1 January 2019) and the Charities Act 2011. Trustees should follow best practice and are required to: - select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently - make judgments and estimates that are prudent and reasonable - state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of - recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the statement of accounts - prepare the financial statements on the ‘going concern’ basis unless - it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue its operations. Trustees are also responsible for maintaining accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the Charity at any time and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the applicable law, regulations and trust deed. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 3 ## **Risk Management** Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed, and to ensure that appropriate controls are in place. Trustees actively review the major risks, as identified on the Branch Risk Register, on a regular basis during committee meetings which cover both operational and financial reviews. Trustees also examine other business risks which the branch may face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate significant risks. ## **Structure, Governance and Management** RSPCA Wigan, Leigh & 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). The Branch carries out its direct animal welfare work in the areas of Wigan, Leigh and parts of Skelmersdale. The Branch is run by a committee of trustees (volunteers), who have individual and collective responsibility for the management of the Branch and its funds. The Branch Committee holds monthly meetings at which decisions are made. The Committee must consist of not less than five but not more than 14 trustees. The Branch Trustees are elected by the branch membership at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), or up to three can be co-opted mid year. The Branch Officers are elected annually by Committee at the post AGM meeting. The Branch actively seeks new trustees to diversify the group and complement existing experience and skills. Potential new trustees are made familiar with the policies and activities of the branch and attend meetings as an observer before being appointed. All trustees undertake initial and ongoing training. The day to day running of the Branch is delegated to the Branch Manager, carrying out its direct animal welfare work in the branch area. The Branch is governed by the Branch Rules of the National Society of the RSPCA. 4 ## **Charity Objectives and Public Benefit Statement** 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 particular reference to the Branch area, in accordance with the policies of the Society. The trustees have reviewed the outcomes and achievements for the year to ensure that they remain focused on our charitable aims and to 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. 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 indicate an acceptance by society that treating living creatures with compassion has a moral benefit for the public as a whole. Whilst this public benefit is clear, it is sometimes difficult to quantify and must be balanced against any detriment. The Branch’s animal welfare work, although local in nature, benefits society at large, and also aims to help people in need with the care of their animals. 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. The Trustees have considered the Charity Commission guidance regarding public benefit and are satisfied that the Charity has met the requirements as described within this report. ## **Financial Position and Reserves Policy** The total income received in the year was £231,734 (£334,393 in 2023). Expenditure in the year was £259,655 (£216,239 in 2023). There was a loss of -£27,921 for the year (a profit of £118,154 in 2023). The Branch received £15,478 in legacy income during the year (£94,752 in 2023), for which we are extremely grateful to our wonderful supporters and animal lovers who remember us in their wills. The Branch holds reserves in order that levels of service provided for animal welfare may be maintained 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 met. Tangible fixed assets (buildings, vehicles, furniture and equipment) are not included within reserves. 5 In addition to such unrestricted reserves, the Branch may also hold additional restricted reserves i.e. funds donated for a specific purpose and which cannot be used for anything other than that purpose. It is the opinion of the trustees that the existing reserves are sufficient to meet any reduction in incoming resources. ## **Investment Policy** Trustees agree that the branch requires quick and easy access to its funds. As of the 31st December 2022 the branch investment policy is as below: The Branch continues to invest all available funds in a range of deposit and Money Market bank accounts concurrent with maintaining sufficient liquidity to meet the ongoing day to day needs of the branch. As of December 2023 the trustees agreed to invest surplus funds of £125,00 which were over and above the ongoing day to day needs of the branch, in a NatWest 1 Year Fixed Term Deposit at a rate of 4.39% interest, payable in December 2024. ## **Review of Activity and Achievements** The main aims of the Branch remain the same: - To provide a regular welfare veterinary clinic service offering low cost - veterinary care for animals whose owners are on low incomes; - To provide low-cost neutering for owned animals; - To provide low-cost microchipping for owned animals; and - To provide advice to pet owners and members of the public in the - Branch area both in person and via the telephone advice line, by email and through Facebook. ● When circumstances enable more expansive rehoming, to accept, as a priority, animals from the RSPCA inspectorate and to find them new homes. ## **Welfare Vet Services** The Branch provides low cost welfare vet treatments for the pets of local people on benefits who would not otherwise be able to afford vet treatment for their pets. Wigan is a hotspot for animal cruelty with very high rates of animal welfare complaints, often due to poor understanding of animal welfare needs as well as the pressures of low income. Branch clinic interventions help to give clients a better understanding of how to care for their pets and provide the support for them to do this. There is no other animal charity offering welfare vet treatment within our borough, and with the cessation of public work at the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital in 2022, our low cost vet clinic remains the only 6 lifeline for many local people and their pets. With the ongoing national financial crisis, more and more people are contacting us, desperate for help to care for their animals. The Branch clinic provides consultation and treatment, neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, dentals, blood investigations and minor surgical procedures. ## **2024 Welfare vet clinic activity headlines** - Held 130 welfare vet clinics - (89 in 2023) - Treated 3340 animals (2150 dogs / 1290 cats) - (2235 treated in 2023) - ● Neutered 441 animals (68 dogs / 373 cats - (280 neutered in 2023) - ● Microchipped 366 animals - (225 in 2023) - 63 surgical operations performed - (44 in 2023) - 48 dentals performed - (24 in 2023) The Branch also supports the RSPCA inspectorate by preventing escalation of animal welfare issues, accepting direct client referrals from the inspectorate, including from outside of our area, and providing follow up and notification of non-compliance with inspectorate advice and direction, helping to prevent further suffering of sick and/or maltreated animals. The number of inspector referrals to our clinic continues to rise year on year. We continue to work closely with Cats Protection and in 2024 neutered 173 cats under their neutering voucher programme (165 in 2023), with particular focus on multi cat households. We would like to reiterate our heartfelt thanks to the Trustees of the IVO Trust who donated a £50,000 grant to our Branch in 2023 to support improvement of our operating facilities and make the structural changes required to expand our post-operative recovery area, which will enable us to increase our surgical provision. Over 2024 we worked with our architect Bob Allen to develop the plans and work is scheduled to start in 2025. We would like to extend a huge thank you to Bob for volunteering to offer his services to the branch for free. ## **Rehoming** Rehoming was suspended in 2020 as our private boarding provider was unable to accept animals during the pandemic; unfortunately, they have been unable to recommence due to consequent operational issues. We are looking to secure suitable facilities to enable recommencement of rehoming services and establishment of a wider fostering programme. We placed 2 kittens that had been dumped in very poor condition with another local charity. Sadly one did not survive but the other was nursed back to health and found a forever home. 7 We worked with local charity Alley Cats to rehome 16 kittens from a client of our clinic whose cat numbers had gotten out of control - we neutered his 4 remaining cats to prevent the problem recurring. We rehomed a tortoise ‘Hermoine’ after her previous owner of 25 years sadly passed away. ## **Advice and Help** The Branch continues to provide free advice to members of the public via its advice line which is normally open between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm Monday to Thursday /10.00am to 2.00pm Fridays. On average the staff answer approximately 45 calls per day from the public. Advice is also provided via our web-site and Facebook page. The public also benefits from knowing that we can provide support to assist animals in need. ## **Pet Food Bank** We support the RSPCA Inspectorate Pet Food Bank Project as a storage and distribution point for pet food destined for food banks across Greater Manchester and neighbouring areas. The Branch also directly supports ‘The Brick’ food bank with regular pet food donations, to support local pet owners in crisis, who are struggling to afford to feed their pets. ## **Fundraising and Awareness Raising** Trustees would like to acknowledge and thank the following groups and organisations for their support of the Branch, and for staff and volunteers who participated in these events. - Pets at Home Robin Park who appointed us as their Charity of the Year - - Santa Paws fundraising event - Scruff’s Fun Dog Show at Haigh Hall - Rotary Club of Ormskirk, Hilldale Dog Show ## Also special thanks to: ● The wonderful staff of Pets at Home who also support us through their ‘Lifeline’ voucher scheme and have a donation bin for our branch at their Robin Park shop. In addition, the Branch received a number of donations from our wonderful local supporters, which together with legacy income helped the branch to continue our important local animal welfare work. Thank you to Orinsis Ltd who made us a generous donation of £1000. The Branch has a strong relationship with Stoneacre Peugeot, which is located next door to the PAWS Centre. They continue to rent car parking space from us, which is an important source of revenue to the Branch. 8 ## **Education and Animal Welfare** We work within the local community to deliver innovative education sessions to children and young people, helping to develop compassion, an understanding of the needs of different animals, how the Branch and wider RSPCA works to prevent animal cruelty and how everyone can play a part in making animals lives better. In 2024 we delivered sessions to 40-50 children at Haydock Primary School. ## **PAWs Pals** PAWS Pals encourages animal lovers to donate a regular monthly amount to our Branch and is an important initiative in raising regular income but also for raising awareness of the branch and our animal welfare services within the wider community. ## **Charity Shop** The charity shop at 32 Market Street, remains an important source of regular income for the branch. Trustees are very grateful to the dedicated charity shop staff and volunteers who have ‘gone the extra mile’ to ensure the shop has continued to operate effectively despite the huge ongoing disruption caused by Wigan Council's town centre redevelopment project, which has significantly impacted on access for all local retailers since 2022. Trustees would also like to express sincere thanks to the shop landlord who very generously continued the 15% discretionary rent reduction during 2024, to support us during this challenging time. In 2024 the charity shop had a 29% decrease in profits from 2023, but whilst the plans for the redevelopment of Wigan town centre has inevitably caused significant disruption, it is hoped that in the longer term the charity shop will be in a prime location to benefit from this initiative. ## **Plans for the future** To continue to further the charity's aims and objectives, delivering and developing our welfare vet service to ensure we continue to make a real difference to the welfare of animals in our local area. ## **Lastly** Trustees thank the RSPCA Inspectorate, RSPCA Bolton and Animal Trust, with whom we have continued to work closely to support our clients. 9 The branch depends on the help and dedication of around 26 volunteers who give their time freely to help us help local animals. The branch could not function without them and we are very grateful for all their help and support. Branch Office, York House, York Street, Wigan, WN3 4BY Tel 01942 824165 www.rspca-wigan.org.uk . 10 REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 232249 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL 8TATEMEFrrs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 FOR RSPCA WGAN. LEIGH & DISTrICT BRANCH NRB 1st FkJorWatersKSB House WatersKle Drive Wlgan Lancashwè WN3 SAZ RSPCAWIGAN. LEIGH & DISTRICT BRANCH Co￿rE￿[S OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Pa Rgport of th• Trusto•s Indgpondgnt Examlno¢s Rowt stst•ment of Flnanclal Aetl4rytles Balance Sheet Nots8 to the FlnancSal Statements D•tallod of Flnan¢lal A¢tthli08 10 to 11 RSPCA WIGAN. LEIGH & DISTRICT BRANCH REPO1￿ OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 . The"tru41ees present theK ￿port with tho fv)8nual statements of the th￿lty for Ihe year ended 31 December 2024. The Iru51ees have adopted the provisions of A¢wJnling and RerMxtwvJ by Charrbes.. Siat&ment of Recornmended PracJce aptAKabl8 lo tharities preparing their ￿CoUnts In acc￿￿8[￿e Mlh the Finarthl Re￿Tting Standard applicable In thg UK and Republic of Irdand IFRS 1021 (effective 1 Jawary 2019). Stru¢bJrO> govomon¢g and manag•ment Govemlng documont Th8 oyarlty is t))nlrdled by Its goveming docJThnL a deed oflJust and ￿[￿tituteS an Uninco￿Ordted tharTty. Reference and admlnistratfve dats1 Reglsterod Charity number 232249 Prfn¢5pal addre$8 Paws Centre York Hou8e, York Street Wallgale Wigan LarKa8hlre WN3 4BY Tn￿teeS kAs G MI￿ Chalrperson MrGAbbott M5 P Abbott Treasurer Ms L Walmough Ms J Clark Mr S Gilmore Ms R Blundoll (Secretary) Ms D Haun Indepentdent Exarniner Neil Whittingham BA (Honsl FCAAft NRB 1st Floor Waterside House Waterside Drive Wigan Lancashire WN35AZ Approved by ￿der of th8 b08rd oftruslees 1)n 25 June 2￿5 and ￿gne(l on its behall by: Ms G Mile8-Trusiee Page 1 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF RSPCA T•VIGAN. LEIGH & DISTRICT BRANCH Independent examlnerf8 report to the trustees of RSFfAWlgan. Lelgh & Dl¥trlct Branch I report l() the ¢harity Iwslees on my ex8minalK￿ of the awounts of RSPCA Wigan, Levjh & Distriel Branch (the Trust) for the year ￿ded 31 December 2￿24. Responslbllltlès $nd ba818 of r•port As the charity trustees of Ihe Trust you are respor￿1￿• for tho prèi)grafK)n of the a￿unts in acthrdonoo wllh. the requireThnts of the Charities Acl 2011 Clhe Acf). . l.rgport in respect of rny exarninatb￿ of the Trusfs accounts cafr*d tyjl under Sthn 145 01 the Aca and in carying out my examination I have folk)wed 8118pplK&ble Diredions g￿en by the Charity CommissK)n under Section 145(5){bl of the Act. Independent examlnerfs statement I have completed my examlnalion. I confimi Ihat no rrthal matter5 have ￿me to my attentlcffl in conna¢tion trmlh the 6X8mlnBlion giving mè cause to b81ieve thal in any malerial ￿5[￿t. aoxuntDig records ￿re not kept in resped oftho Trust 88 r8qwrwl by Se¢llon 130 Oft￿ Act.. or the accounts do not accord wth those records. or the ￿coUnt$ do not compty *ilh the ap￿Kable requwements cOn￿MIng the fom and (x)nlerbl of ac4ounts sat out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) ReguLat￿S 2008 othw than any requlremenl that the accounts 9￿0 a and fair view which 1$ not a matter o)nsidwed as part of an independent examination. I havè no conc8ms 8nd h8v8 com8 acxoss no othér mattws in thnnecaon with the examination to whlth altention should bg drgwn in IFMS rgport in order to enable 4 urKlerstanding of the a¢x￿nts lo be reached. Nèll ngh￿ BA (Hons) FCA A NRB 1st Flo￿ Waterside H￿se Waterside Drive Wigan Lanca8hire WN3 5AZ 25 Jun0 2025 Page 2 RSPCA WIGAN. LEIGH & DISTRICT BRANCH STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDEO 31 DECEMBER 2024 31.12.24 Total ffijnds 31.1223 Total -ftJnds Unrestricted RestrKted fund INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FRO Clinic In(xxllo. t)onaUons and Legactes 134,364 174,203 Othar trading ￿livItieS Inv8Stm6nt income Other InC￿e 86.648 10.722 98,989 11,302 49.899 10.722 Total 181.734 231,734 334.393 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 247,782 247,782 205.857 Dep￿e￿allon 11,873 11.873 10,382 Total 259,655 259,655 216,239 INCOMEIIEXPENDITUREI (TT.921) 127,9211 118,154 RECONCIUATrON OF FUNDS Total ￿￿￿¥ brougm forword 802,866 684,712 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 724.945 774.945 802,888 Thé notès fomi part ofthÈsefinanaal statement8 Paye 3 RSPCA WIGAN. LEIGH & DISTrICT BRANCH BALINCE SHEET 31 DECEMBER 2024 31.12.24 Total fuThJs 31.12.23 Total nd8 un￿SIr1¢tOd fvnd RostsKtsd fund Notes FIXED A8SErs Tangible assets 383.533 383.533 395,405 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors C38h at bank 8nd in hand 3,584 3,584 ,695 10.359 410,514 3X).279 S0.(X)O 4(K),279 420,873 CRED￿ORs Amounts falling due wrthin one year 10 {8.86n {8,867) 113.4121 NEf CURRENT ASSErs 341.412 391,412 407,461 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILMES 724.945 774.945 802.8e6 NET ASSErs 724,945 774,945 602.866 FUNDS Unrestrl 724,945 Regtrlcted funds Restslded funds 50.000 50.CQD TOTAL FUNDS 802.866 127,921) 774.945 Net movement in fvnds, ￿cluded in the abcwe are as folloAS.' Incoming resources Resourc*8 9X￿nd&d Movement in fijnds UnTestrlctod funds Generaj ftjnd 181.734 {259,6551 177,9211 R￿tr￿tsd furKIs Restricted funds 50,OCK) TOTAL FUNDS 231.734 I259,￿> (27,921} Comparatlv•s for movemont in lund5 Net movem&nt in funds Al 31.12.23 At1.1.23 UrtrestrietÈd funds General ￿nd 884.712 118.154 802.866 TOTAL FUNDS 684,712 118,154 802.866 CornparatNe nel rrthement in funds, included in the above a￿ a$folkMs'. IncA)ming oUr￿S ResoU￿S Èxpended vement in funds Unwstrf¢ted funds General fund 334.393 1216,239) 118.154 TOTAL FUNDS 334.393 1216.239) 118,154 Page 8 RSPCA WIGAN, LEIGH & DISTRICT BRANCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR ThE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- continued A ¢)JrMI year 12 nw)n1hs aThJ pri￿year 12 ¢Cffibw￿l PD8itTh 18 as foltcwK.' Net movemenl in funds Al 1.1.23 31.12.24 Unrestricted fvnd$ General fvnd 8B4.712 40.233 724,945 Restrfctod funds Rèstrfctad funds TOTAL FUNDS 684.712 774,945 A current year 12 months and prtor year 12 months o)mbined net M0ven￿ In fun(ts, includ8d In the abov& ar8 as follow8.. Ir￿0m￿l9 resources R&sources expended Movement n funds Unrestricted funds General fuThJ 516,127 1475.894) 40,233 Restrlcted fund¥ Reslricted funds 50,OLWJ TOTAL FUNDS ,127 (475,894) ,233 12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES There were no related party transacknons forthe y¢arended 31 0oceml*r 2024. 13. LEGACIES The RSPCA Wig8n, LevJh & Distric* has not been notified ofany which have nol been included wrlhin the financial statements. Pag8 9 RSPCA WIGAN. LEIGH & OISTRICT BRANCH DEfAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCFAL ACTMTIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 31.12.24 31.12.23 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Cllnlc Income, Donatlon8 and Legacle8 Donations, appeals & regular g￿n9 LegacAes Clinic receipts 14,530 15,478 104,356 11,2 94,752 68,155 134.3e4 174,203 0th8r tradlng 8ctlvltl•g Fundrals1ng events & door lo d¢xf money Shop incom Other Reven 21.265 65.383 22,543 72,956 3.490 86,648 S8,989 Inve$tsnont In¢c*ne Room hirelcar park renv inspthate rates IFblw08t receiwdble 5.214 11,297 10,722 11,302 Other income Other grants 49,899 Total IncomlnB re8ourceB 231,734 334.393 EXPENDITURE Dirnct Costs Vet8rinari8n costs 46,889 $6,305 Oeprecla￿On Imsxovements to propety Plant And mathin8ry Fixtures and fittings Motor vehicle deweciation 7,545 705 1.022 2,601 7,S45 1.235 738 11.873 10,382 Support eosts Managèmènt Wage$ & penston8 Rent & ulilrties Insuranco Tolephone Postagè 8nd statK)nery Sundriès Rgpairs and renewals 149.164 24.236 2.030 1,979 1,476 92,524 28,192 702 2,199 3,621 10.426 8,734 192,015 137.860 Flnance Bank charges 2,781 2.056 Goveman¢e costs VAT correction Carried forward 2,586 2.586 6.672 6,672 This pagg doos f￿M part of the Slalulory finanua statem8nt8 Page 10 RSPCA IblGAM. LEIGH & DisfRICT BRANCH AILED STATEMENT OF FIMANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR E14DED 31 DECEMBER 2024 31.12.24 31.1223 Governan¢¢ ¢osts BroLJghl forward AeLcxJnl8n¢y and leg81 fe98 2.586 3.511 6,672 6,097 9,636 Total resources expended 259,655 216,239 Ngt l•xyndltur•ylncom• 127.921) 118.154 This page does not torm part ofthe slatut(xy finanu81 statem8nts Page11