**REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 232252**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND**
## **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **FOR**
## **RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
327 Clifton Drive South Lytham St Annes Lancashire FY8 1HN
Whitehead & Howarth Statutory Auditors
**RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
## **CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**
|||**Page**||
|---|---|---|---|
|**Report of the Trustees**|1|to|5|
|**Report of the Independent Auditors**|6|to|8|
|**Statement of Financial Activities**||9||
|**Balance Sheet**||10||
|**Cash Flow Statement**||11||
|**Notes to the Financial Statements**|12|to|22|
|**Detailed Statement of Financial Activities**|23|to|24|
**RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities'.
## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES**
## **Objectives and aims**
The objectives of the RSPCA Blackpool & North Lancs Branch are to support and comply with the National RSPCA policies and procedures - to promote kindness and to prevent or suppress cruelty to all animals by lawful means. This branch of the society is an unincorporated charitable association and is separately registered with the Charity Commission. The branch animal centre accepts animals from the National RSPCA inspectors and provides quality accommodation, bedding, food, recreation time and veterinary care in accordance with the society's standards. The trustees review the objectives and activities of the branch regularly to ensure they are complying with the charitable aims of the Charities Act and to ensure the public benefit with due regard to the public guidance published and reviewed by the Commission
## **Advancement of animal welfare**
The Branch recognises animal welfare is a distinctive charitable purpose and focuses its work on prevention of cruelty, providing veterinary care and treatment to animals in need, supported care with fully trained staff and re-homing all the animals entrusted into our care to a loving home when a qualified vet has given them a clean bill of health. The branch employs a means tested re-homing procedure and the branch also provides a service to reduce feral populations by running campaigns promoting neutering schemes.
The Branch animal welfare, although local in nature has a compassionate and ethical approach which benefits the larger society and continues to help people in need and address the issue of animal suffering in general.
## **Significant activities**
Animals - intake figures were lower at the end of 2024 compared to 2023 however this was primarily due to the large number of case animals we had in our care at the end of the year, particularly dogs. These dogs were part of large multi-animal cases, some of which are still ongoing nearly 18 months on. Rehoming figures were up on 2023 with 217 animals going off to their new homes and 13 animals being networked to other RSPCA branches/centres.
We have been working closer with the North West region branches following the setting up of the Animal Centre Manager meetings which take place every few months. These meeting include all of the centre/care managers from centres across the North West and have so far proved invaluable allowing us to share problems and ideas along with supporting each other in the roles that we have.
As mentioned at the previous AGM, the centre remains 'viewing by appointment only'. This is unlikely to change as we feel it is the most effective way of rehoming and as SAWA figures show, has had no negative impact on the number of animals we are rehoming. We are still continuing to do virtual home visits, again this is unlikely to change.
Veterinary - we are continuing to work with Vets4Pets Cleveleys and currently have consultations onsite every Tuesday morning, 9am till 1pm and we have operations onsite once a month. Surgeries which take place onsite include; neutering, lump removals and scale and polishes whilst the more complex surgeries are carried out at the practice in Cleveleys. The practice has just expanded and they now also run Vets4Pets Warbreck which has just started to open at weekends. This is fantastic news for the centre as weekend veterinary care is limited in the local area resulting in us either taking emergencies to Garstang (wildlife only) or to Blackburn (domesticated animals).
Staffing - we are currently recruiting for a part time Animal Care Assistant who can work Saturday and Sundays as these are the two days that are currently short staffed. Weekdays continue to be well covered but staff sickness has put a strain on the rota over the last few months.
Page 1
**RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES**
## **Public benefit**
Support -Micro-chipping is available on site at a small charge.
RSPCA Inspectors -The Branch continues helping veterinary costs for those animals identified by national RSPCA Inspectors where costly treatments are required for animals needing emergency care in the Branch's area.
## **Volunteers**
Recruitment - We continually seek volunteers for the various Branch departments. We receive lots of interest in dog walking cat cuddling and rabbit care. It is difficult finding volunteers to help with cleaning the animal accommodation which generates a very low interest. We now receive the support of a local prison team, which comes to the Animal Centre every Monday to help with general ground maintenance.
Volunteer Coordinator - A trustee continues in the role of coordinator, dealing with all volunteer enquiries for the Centre and shops, we have seen increased interest with good results.
Publicity - Supporters and members are regularly informed via social media sites, website, & local publications of the work and activities of the Branch.
## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE**
## **Fundraising activities**
Monthly Bingo - Volunteers continue to hold monthly prize bingo events at a local public house. This has proved very successful, and usually raises between £250 and £400 for just a two hour event, It also promotes local knowledge of the charity and the work we do for animal welfare.
Charity Partnership - The Blackpool 'Pets @ Home' team have again adopted the Branch and this brings many benefits. The public can drop off their donations of pet food & treats for the animals at their shop, and we receive offers of 'end of line stock and equipment', the VIP in store system provides the Branch with vouchers to purchase stock such as cat litter and small animal food free of charge. We are also able to hold fundraising opportunities in store and promote those animals needing new homes.
Wyre Lottery - The local authority's lottery scheme donates 50p for every £1 ticket. This is promoted via social media & notices included in correspondence and re-homing packs.
Jumble & Book Sales - The jumble and book sales continue to be successful and alongside raising money they also help to clear stock from the storage areas to relieve pressure on the shops.
Open Days & Gala's - The volunteers hold open days at the Centre for Easter, Halloween and Christmas. These have become well known by the local population. Summer galas in the Branch's area are covered by the volunteer team which always holds stalls to promote our work, The 'One Fun Day' promoted by the National RSPCA, continues to be a huge success, and remains well attended, and may cause disruption due to the high volume of local traffic.
## **Investment performance**
A review of investment performance is included in the investment section within the financial review section.
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
## **Investment policy and objectives**
The management committee has the power to invest in such assets as they see fit. The branch needs to have quick and easy access to its funds and so consider the most appropriate policy for investing funds is in Royal Bank of Scotland Deposit Accounts. A compromise between optimal return and ease of access to funds is accepted by the Trustees when considering return on investment.
At the year-end date the charity also had various short term investments with United Trust, Hampshire Trust, Shawbrook Bank and Scottish Widows.
The management committee consider the future return on the charity's investments to be satisfactory.
Page 2
**RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
## **Reserves policy**
The branch holds reserves in order that the level of service provided for animal welfare is maintained should there be a reduction in incoming resources. Reserves relate to funds that are freely available for the branch's general purposes or can be restricted if they are for a specific purpose only.
The trustees have established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed and held by the charity should be at least twelve months of the resources expended. The resources expended in this year were £761,655 (2023: £702,896).
The branch has unrestricted reserves represented by net current assets of £1,901,263 (2023: £1,644,657). The reserves target has been met this year, and the trustees are of the opinion that this existing level of reserves are sufficient to meet any reduction in incoming reserves in 2025. The adequacy of the reserves policy is reviewed annually.
## **Financial review**
The Statement of Financial Activities details net Incoming resources of £160,671 (2023: £205,643). Unrestricted reserves are £3,831,027 (2023: £3,668,002).
## **FUTURE PLANS**
Talbot Road Shop - All dealings with this property have now ceased and the property has been returned to the landlord.
Highfield Road Shop - This shop continues to trade and has a dedicated team in place who know the local population well and operate as part of the community. Income has not been as buoyant as previous years which is due to increased competition in the Highfield road retail area. However we have a very competent new shop manager in place who is looking to reverse this trend.
Holmfield Road shop - Has now closed due to increased costs and reduced income. We have identified some premises with a better footfall in the Layton area which will open in 2025.
Vehicle Parking - We may still require better parking facilities, but the current plan is under review.
Private Bungalow on Longview site - In December 2024 the bungalow was renovated and let out to a private tenant.
## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT**
## **Governing document**
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
The Trustees of Longview are currently looking into the possibility of the branch becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). This means that it can become a legal entity and it can enter into contracts in its own right. It may also hold property in its own name which has advantages with regard to succession of the charity.
## **Recruitment and appointment of new trustees**
New trustees are appointed following a three month period as a member at the annual general meeting.
## **Organisational structure**
The charity operates as a branch of the National RSPCA but is separately registered with the Charity Commission number 232252. It operates as an autonomous branch of the National RSPCA and is responsible for raising its own funds. The trustees hold weekly online meetings alongside face-to face meetings every 6 to 8 weeks. They discuss all operational issues related to the branch and it's staff and can access the RSPCA Branch Support Specialist very easily if advice is required.
In March 2024 Martyn Tetchener retired from his role as Branch Manager for the RSPCA and the Trustees appointed a new CEO to run Longview. Unfortunately the appointee was not suitable for the role and left the RSPCA in June 2024. The Trustees intend to recruit a new CEO during 2025.
Page 3
**RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT**
## **Induction and training of new trustees**
Training and guidance are supplied in the form of guidance and booklets from the RSPCA. All new trustees receive copies of the previous annual report and accounts and a copy of the Charity Commission leaflet 'the essential trustee.' In house training is provided by National RSPCA staff once a new trustee has been elected to the position.
## **Key management remuneration**
This is carefully considered by the Trustees in relation to the operational management of the branch.
## **Related parties**
As described above the charity operates as a branch of the National RSPCA. Details of transactions with the National RSPCA are set out in note 19.
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number**
232252
## **Principal address**
Longview Animal Centre Old Toms Lane Stalmine Poulton-le-Fylde FY6 0JR
## **Trustees**
N McPherson (resigned 3.2.25) R Carr J Cole K Marney L Bell A Shuttleworth (resigned 4.9.24) L Prue J Howarth (appointed 11.10.24) S C Taylor-Royston (appointed 11.10.24)
## **Auditors**
Whitehead & Howarth Statutory Auditors 327 Clifton Drive South Lytham St Annes Lancashire FY8 1HN
## **Bankers**
The Royal Bank of Scotland Talbot Square Blackpool Lancashire FY1 1LE
## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES**
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Page 4
**RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES - continued**
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales, the Charities Act 2011, Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the 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.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 27 May 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
J Cole - Trustee
Page 5
**REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
## **Opinion**
We have audited the financial statements of RSPCA Blackpool and North Lancashire Branch (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements:
- give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 December 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, for the year then ended;
- have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
- have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
## **Basis for opinion**
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
## **Conclusions relating to going concern**
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
## **Other information**
The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon.
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
## **Matters on which we are required to report by exception**
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
- the information given in the Report of the Trustees is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements; or
- sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or
- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Page 6
**REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
## **Responsibilities of trustees**
As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements which give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
## **Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements**
We have been appointed as auditors under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
We identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and then design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
In our assessment of the financial statements and their susceptibility to material misstatement and how fraud may occur we have considered the nature of the industry and sector the client operates in and the control environment and remuneration policies for key management. Communication with management and review of documentation is performed and discussions among the audit team takes place to identify and review the areas offering the greatest potential for fraud or error such as the timing of recognition of commercial income, complex transactions or unusual journal entries.
We have obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the charity operates in and focus on those laws or regulations which are considered central to the entity and the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context included UK Charities Act, employment law, health and safety and tax legislation.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors.
Page 7
## **REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
## **Use of our report**
This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Whitehead & Howarth Statutory Auditors 327 Clifton Drive South Lytham St Annes Lancashire FY8 1HN
5 June 2025
Page 8
**RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**
|Notes
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**
Donations and legacies
2
**Charitable activities**
5
Animal home
Branch
Other trading activities
3
Investment income
4
**Total**
**EXPENDITURE ON**
Raising funds
6
**Charitable activities**
7
In furtherance of charitable objects
Animal home
Other
**Total**
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
Total funds brought forward
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**|Unrestricted
funds
£
686,986
84,078
21,816
102,403
27,043
922,326
159,517
22,423
574,992
2,369
759,301
163,025
3,668,002
3,831,027|Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,354
-
2,354
(2,354)
14,713
12,359|31.12.24
Total
funds
£
686,986
84,078
21,816
102,403
27,043
922,326
159,517
22,423
577,346
2,369
761,655
160,671
3,682,715
3,843,386|31.12.23
Total
funds
£
645,676
77,347
23,094
144,358
18,064
908,539
117,397
15,329
565,879
4,291
702,896
205,643
3,477,072
3,682,715|
|---|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 9
**RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
## **BALANCE SHEET 31 DECEMBER 2024**
|Notes
**FIXED ASSETS**
Tangible assets
11
Investment property
12
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Stocks
13
Debtors
14
Cash at bank and in hand
15
**CREDITORS**
Amounts falling due within one year
16
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT**
**LIABILITIES**
**NET ASSETS**
**FUNDS**
18
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
**TOTAL FUNDS**|Unrestricted
funds
£
1,739,764
190,000
1,929,764
3,172
645,458
1,289,072
1,937,702
(36,439)
1,901,263
3,831,027
3,831,027|Restricted
funds
£
8,308
-
8,308
-
-
4,051
4,051
-
4,051
12,359
12,359|31.12.24
Total
funds
£
1,748,072
190,000
1,938,072
3,172
645,458
1,293,123
1,941,753
(36,439)
1,905,314
3,843,386
3,843,386
3,831,027
12,359
3,843,386|31.12.23
Total
funds
£
1,844,007
190,000
2,034,007
5,897
760,736
937,799
1,704,432
(55,724)
1,648,708
3,682,715
3,682,715
3,668,002
14,713
3,682,715|
|---|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 27 May 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:
L Bell - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 10
**RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
## **CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**
|Notes
**Cash flows from operating activities**
Cash generated from operations
20
Net cash provided by operating activities
**Cash flows from investing activities**
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Interest received
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
**Change in cash and cash equivalents in**
**the reporting period**
**Cash and cash equivalents at the**
**beginning of the reporting period**
**Cash and cash equivalents at the end of**
**the reporting period**|31.12.24
£
332,435
332,435
(341)
23,230
22,889
355,324
937,799
1,293,123|31.12.23
£
352,049
352,049
(10,544)
10,389
(155)
351,894
585,905
937,799|
|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 11
**RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
## **Basis of preparing the financial statements**
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.
## **Going concern**
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historic cost convention. The trustees consider the use of the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate. The charity has net assets of £3,843,386 (2023: £3,682,715) and is in a good overall position having a net surplus of £160,671 in the year (2023: £205,643). The trustees are monitoring the situation and have a desire to ensure the charity maintains a net surplus position.
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that may cause significant doubt about the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern.
## **Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty**
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported for assets and liabilities as at the balance sheet date and the amounts reported in the statement of financial activities during the year. However, the nature of estimation means that actual outcomes could differ from those estimates.
Significant estimates include the valuation of legacies at the year end, which is provided by the specialist legacies department from national and is quantified based on the notification from executors of the deceased will and dependent on the final balance of the estate available and terms of the will. Accrual and Depreciation have had the most significant effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements. See the notes to the accounts for the carrying amounts of these estimates.
The fair value of the investment property is estimated based on the property market conditions, recent property sales of similar properties in the area and consideration of the average property price in the greater area as at the year end.
Other estimates include depreciation, accruals and prepayments. Depreciation is based on the estimated useful life of an asset and consideration of any impairment sufferred to provide a reasonable estimate of the net book value of the assets at the year end. Accruals and prepayments are calculated on the income and expenditure during the year and post year end.
## **Income**
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Pecuniary or residual legacies are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Where the interest of the charity cannot be measured reliably and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.
Income from donations and grants is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement to the gift, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably. For donations, entitlement is deemed to be on its receipt.
continued...
Page 12
**RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued**
## **Expenditure**
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
## **Governance costs**
Include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of trustee meetings and cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.
## **Tangible fixed assets**
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Freehold property - 5% on reducing balance Short leasehold - 10% on reducing balance Fixtures and fittings - 20% on reducing balance Motor vehicles - 25% on reducing balance
Tangible fixed assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £300. They are valued at cost less accumulated depreciation.
## **Investment property**
Investment property is shown at most recent valuation. Any aggregate surplus or deficit arising from changes in fair value is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.
The investment property is in respect of one of two bungalows rented out to a third party and was reclassified as an Investment property in 2021. The investment property is measured originally at cost then at fair value at each year end. The second bungalow is used by the charity and is occupied by a member of staff for the charitable purpose and therefore included within Freehold property costs.
## **Stocks**
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.
## **Taxation**
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
## **Fund accounting**
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
## **Hire purchase and leasing commitments**
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
## **Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits**
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
continued...
Page 13
**RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued**
## **Donated goods**
Income from donated goods is measured at the fair value of the goods unless this is impractical to measure reliably, in which case the value is derived from the cost to the donor or the estimated resale value. Fair value will only be recognised on sale, therefore items donated for resale or distribution are not included in the financial statements until they are sold or distributed.
## **Volunteers**
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees annual report.
## **Investments**
Short term cash investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction values and subsequently measured at their market value at the balance sheet date and included within cash at bank. Any net gains or losses arising on the investment are taken to the statement of financial activities as they arise. Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be reliably measured, this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
## **Debtors**
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any discounts due.
## **Creditors**
Creditors are recognised when a legal obligation exists at the reporting date as a result of a past event, and probable there will be a transfer of economic benefit to a third party to settle the obligation, which can be measured or estimated reliably.
## **Financial Instruments**
The charity only has financial assets and liabilities that qualify as basic financial instruments. These are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
## **2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES**
|Subscriptions and donations
Standing order donations
Gift aid
Legacies
Grants
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
General
Other grants|31.12.24
£
12,516
21,996
2,561
619,913
30,000
686,986
31.12.24
£
30,000
-
30,000|31.12.23
£
13,022
22,096
3,554
605,504
1,500
645,676
31.12.23
£
-
1,500
1,500|
|---|---|---|
An additional Branch Emergency Fund Grant of £30,000 received during the year ended 2020 continues to be deferred.
continued...
Page 14
**RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES - continued**
This has not been recognised in the above figures, as per the terms and conditions the RSPCA may at its discretion require repayment of the grant if the Branch obtains duplicate grant funding or legacies / grants in excess of one and a half times the Grant amount within two years of receiving the Grant and the Branch has over six months' reserves.
This Grant is currently included within other creditors.
## **3. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES**
|Fundraising events
Shop income|31.12.24
£
13,665
88,738
102,403|31.12.23
£
16,420
127,938
144,358|
|---|---|---|
Shop income is the proceeds from the sale of donated goods, which consist mainly of clothing and small house hold items. Any proceeds from the sale of new merchandise is not material.
## **4. INVESTMENT INCOME**
|Rents received
Deposit account interest
**5.**
**INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES**
Activity
Adoptions
Animal home
HQ boarding and other
income
Animal home
HQ collection
Branch|31.12.24
£
3,175
23,868
27,043
31.12.24
£
21,877
62,201
21,816
105,894|31.12.23
£
5,500
12,564
18,064
31.12.23
£
18,575
58,772
23,094
100,441|
|---|---|---|
continued...
Page 15
**RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **6. RAISING FUNDS**
## **Other trading activities**
|Opening stock
Closing stock
Staff costs
Rent
Motor expenses
Rates and water
Repairs and renewals
Telephone
Insurance
Heat and light
Sundry expenses
Fundraising event costs
Cleaning and refuse costs|31.12.24
£
128
-
123,946
18,898
2,232
1,380
3,407
377
943
7,776
24
10
396
159,517|31.12.23
£
328
(128)
62,315
25,745
4,078
1,749
11,655
1,399
545
8,506
63
15
1,127
117,397|
|---|---|---|
|**7.**
**CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS**
In furtherance of charitable objects
Animal home
**8.**
**SUPPORT COSTS**
In furtherance of charitable objects
Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:
**Governance costs**
Auditors' remuneration
Auditors' remuneration for non audit work
Legal and professional fees|Support
Direct
costs (see
Costs
note 8)
Totals
£
£
£
-
22,423
22,423
577,346
-
577,346
577,346
22,423
599,769
Governance
costs
£
22,423
31.12.24
31.12.23
In
furtherance
of
charitable
Total
objects
activities
£
£
8,295
6,000
4,819
2,659
9,309
7,270
22,423
15,929|
|---|---|
continued...
Page 16
**RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **9. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS**
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023.
## **Trustees' expenses**
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023.
## **10. STAFF COSTS**
|Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
Animal home
Retail premises|31.12.24
£
387,574
23,936
6,302
417,812
31.12.24
15
5
20|31.12.23
£
343,792
16,989
4,347
365,128
31.12.23
15
5
20|
|---|---|---|
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
## **11. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS**
|**COST**
At 1 January 2024
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2024
**DEPRECIATION**
At 1 January 2024
Charge for year
Eliminated on disposal
At 31 December 2024
**NET BOOK VALUE**
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023|Freehold
property
£
2,826,951
-
-
2,826,951
1,008,271
90,935
-
1,099,206
1,727,745
1,818,680|Short
leasehold
£
3,648
-
-
3,648
2,814
83
-
2,897
751
834|Fixtures
and
fittings
£
59,070
341
(169)
59,242
39,824
3,871
(93)
43,602
15,640
19,246|Motor
vehicles
£
24,052
-
-
24,052
18,805
1,311
-
20,116
3,936
5,247|Totals
£
2,913,721
341
(169)
2,913,893
1,069,714
96,200
(93)
1,165,821
1,748,072
1,844,007|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
continued...
Page 17
**RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **12. INVESTMENT PROPERTY**
|**FAIR VALUE**
At 1 January 2024
and 31 December 2024
**NET BOOK VALUE**
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023
Fair value at 31 December 2024 is represented by:
Valuation in 2021
Cost|£
190,000
190,000
190,000
£
40,000
150,000
190,000|
|---|---|
The investment property is valued by the trustees at fair value which is considered to be the open market value.
The valuation in 2021 was provided by an independent 3rd party estate agent. As at 31st December 2024, the trustees believe the valuation provided still remains relevant and reasonable.
## **13. STOCKS**
|Stocks
**DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
Trade debtors
Tax on gift aid
VAT
Prepayments and accrued income|31.12.24
£
3,172
31.12.24
£
18,703
1,574
125
625,056
645,458|31.12.23
£
5,897
31.12.23
£
-
200
9,567
750,969
760,736|
|---|---|---|
## **14. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
## **15. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND**
Cash at bank includes £303,293 (2023: £300,357) held in short term fixed rate investment accounts.
continued...
Page 18
**RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **16. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
||31.12.24|31.12.23|
|---|---|---|
||£|£|
|Trade creditors|9,917|11,561|
|Taxation and social security|6,581|5,095|
|Other creditors|19,941|39,068|
||36,439|55,724|
## **17. LEASING AGREEMENTS**
Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:
|Within one year|31.12.24
31.12.23
£
£
5,500
17,870|
|---|---|
|Between one and five years|-
5,500|
||5,500
23,370|
## **18. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
|**Unrestricted funds**
Unrestricted fund
**Restricted funds**
Veterinary Equipment Fund
Vehicle
Rabbit Equipment
Moon Charitable Trust
**TOTAL FUNDS**|At 1.1.24
£
3,668,002
5,170
8,442
797
304
14,713
3,682,715|Net
movement
in funds
£
163,025
(1,034)
(1,109)
(159)
(52)
(2,354)
160,671|At
31.12.24
£
3,831,027
4,136
7,333
638
252
12,359
3,843,386|
|---|---|---|---|
continued...
Page 19
**RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **18. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued**
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
|**Unrestricted funds**
Unrestricted fund
**Restricted funds**
Veterinary Equipment Fund
Vehicle
Rabbit Equipment
Moon Charitable Trust
**TOTAL FUNDS**
**Comparatives for movement in funds**
**Unrestricted funds**
Unrestricted fund
**Restricted funds**
Veterinary Equipment Fund
Vehicle
Rabbit Equipment
Moon Charitable Trust
**TOTAL FUNDS**|Incoming
resources
£
922,326
-
-
-
-
-
922,326
At 1.1.23
£
3,459,325
6,462
9,920
996
369
17,747
3,477,072||Resources
expended
£
(759,301)
(1,034)
(1,109)
(159)
(52)
(2,354)
(761,655)
Net
movement
in funds
£
208,677
(1,292)
(1,478)
(199)
(65)
(3,034)
205,643|Movement
in funds
£
163,025
(1,034)
(1,109)
(159)
(52)
(2,354)
160,671
At
31.12.23
£
3,668,002
5,170
8,442
797
304
14,713
3,682,715|
|---|---|---|---|---|
continued...
Page 20
**RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **18. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued**
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
|**Unrestricted funds**
Unrestricted fund
**Restricted funds**
Veterinary Equipment Fund
Vehicle
Rabbit Equipment
Moon Charitable Trust
**TOTAL FUNDS**|Incoming
resources
£
908,539
-
-
-
-
-
908,539|Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(699,862)
208,677
(1,292)
(1,292)
(1,478)
(1,478)
(199)
(199)
(65)
(65)
(3,034)
(3,034)
(702,896)
205,643|
|---|---|---|
The individual restricted funds are created when the charity receives a grant for the purchasing of the specified items.
## **19. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES**
The charity purchases goods from the National RSPCA which are included in resources expended. The value of the goods purchases was £3,609 (2023: £12,906).The charity also made contributions to National RSPCA of £21,982 (2023: £17,808) for administrative charges.
During the year the investment property was rented out to a trustee at market value. This arrangement terminated during the year and rent of £2,500 (2023: £5,500) was received from the trustee.
## **20. RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES**
|**Net income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial**
**Activities)**
**Adjustments for:**
Depreciation charges
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
Interest received
Increase / (Decrease) in provisions
Decrease in stocks
Decrease in debtors
Decrease in creditors
**Net cash provided by operations**|31.12.24
£
160,671
96,200
76
(23,230)
-
2,725
115,916
(19,923)
332,435|31.12.23
£
205,643
100,958
4,291
(10,389)
(27,743)
980
78,663
(354)
352,049|
|---|---|---|
|**21.**|**ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS**||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||At 1.1.24|Cash flow|At 31.12.24|
|||£|£|£|
||**Net cash**||||
||Cash at bank and in hand|937,799|355,324|1,293,123|
continued...
Page 21
**RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **21. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS - continued**
|**Total**|937,799
937,799|355,324
355,324|1,293,123
1,293,123|
|---|---|---|---|
## **22. CONTROLLING PARTY**
The charity is controlled by the trustees.
## **23. CONTINGENT ASSET**
There are two legacies where RSPCA has been named as the beneficiary. Due to being a discretional legacy or a residual pecuniary legacy, the value of these legacies are not quantifiable at the year end and therefore no estimation of the value of these legacies have been recognised in the SOFA.
Page 22
**RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
**DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**
|**DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**
**for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**|||
|---|---|---|
||31.12.24|31.12.23|
||£|£|
|**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**|||
|**Donations and legacies**|||
|Subscriptions and donations|12,516|13,022|
|Standing order donations|21,996|22,096|
|Gift aid|2,561|3,554|
|Legacies|619,913|605,504|
|Grants|30,000|1,500|
|**Other trading activities**|686,986|645,676|
|Fundraising events|13,665|16,420|
|Shop income|88,738|127,938|
|**Investment income**|102,403|144,358|
|Rents received|3,175|5,500|
|Deposit account interest|23,868|12,564|
|**Charitable activities**|27,043|18,064|
|Adoptions|21,877|18,575|
|HQ collection|21,816|23,094|
|HQ boarding and other income|62,201|58,772|
||105,894|100,441|
|**Total incoming resources**|922,326|908,539|
|**EXPENDITURE**|||
|**Other trading activities**|||
|Opening stock|128|328|
|Wages|116,624|58,857|
|Social security|6,788|3,276|
|Pensions|534|182|
|Rent|18,898|25,745|
|Motor expenses|2,232|4,078|
|Rates and water|1,380|1,749|
|Repairs and renewals|3,407|11,655|
|Telephone|377|1,399|
|Insurance|943|545|
|Heat and light|7,776|8,506|
|Sundry expenses|24|63|
|Fundraising event costs|10|15|
|Carried forward|159,121|116,398|
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
Page 23
**RSPCA BLACKPOOL AND NORTH LANCASHIRE BRANCH**
## **DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**
|**DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**
**for the Year Ended 31 DECEMBER 2024**|||
|---|---|---|
||31.12.24|31.12.23|
||£|£|
|**Other trading activities**|||
|Brought forward|159,121|116,398|
|Cleaning and refuse costs|396|1,127|
|Closing stock|-|(128)|
|**Charitable activities**|159,517|117,397|
|Wages|270,950|284,935|
|Social security|17,148|13,713|
|Pensions|5,768|4,165|
|Rates and water|1,621|1,718|
|Insurance|7,734|6,045|
|Heat and light|21,318|19,050|
|Telephone|3,616|2,388|
|Printing and stationery|731|1,568|
|Sundries|5,779|5,650|
|Veterinary fees welfare and neutering|78,607|60,347|
|Animal food and supplies|5,774|6,107|
|Motor expenses|2,786|2,412|
|Training costs|1,200|265|
|Cleaning costs|17,209|13,326|
|Waste collection and sewage costs|7,513|9,126|
|Repairs and renewals|10,133|13,915|
|Cremation costs|501|325|
|Branch contribution|21,982|17,808|
|Fundraising costs|359|1,384|
|Computer software and expenses|417|74|
|Depn of freehold property|90,935|95,691|
|Depn of short leasehold|83|93|
|Depn of fixtures & fittings|3,871|3,426|
|Depn of motor vehicles|1,311|1,748|
|**Other**|577,346|565,279|
|Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets|76|4,291|
|Bank interest|2,293|-|
|**Support costs**|2,369|4,291|
|**Governance costs**|||
|Auditors' remuneration|8,295|6,000|
|Auditors' remuneration for non audit work|4,819|2,659|
|Legal and professional fees|9,309|7,270|
||22,423|15,929|
|Total resources expended|761,655|702,896|
|**Net income**|160,671|205,643|
||||
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
Page 24