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2023-12-31-accounts

Registered charity number: 242560

Report of the Trustees’ and Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 for The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association

The Rowleys Partnership Limited Statutory Auditors Chartered Accountants Charnwood House Harcourt Way Meridian Business Park Leicester LE19 1WP

The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association

Contents of the Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2023

Page
Trustees Report 1
Report of Independent Auditors 16
Statement of financial activities 19
Balance sheet 20
Statement of cash flows 21
Notes to the accounts 22

The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association Trustees’ Report For the year ended 31 December 2023

Reference and Administrative Information

Charity number 242560

Name by which the charity is also known Leicester Animal Aid

Principal Office Elmwood Farm, Forest Road, Huncote, Leicestershire LE9 3LE

Trustees

Dana Newcombe, Chair (Appointed Chair 31 August 2023) Elizabeth Anne Martin, Chair (Deceased 17 July 2023) Anabel McDougall, Secretary Luke Collett, Treasurer (Appointed 20 July 2023) Ian Pritchard, Treasurer (Resigned 2 July 2023) Christine Pougher, Assistant Treasurer (Resigned 2 July 2023) Robin Arnold Jess Bostock Kevan Kirby Lesley Shepherd (Resigned 11 May 2023)

General Manager Keely Short

Auditors The Rowleys Partnership Ltd, Chartered Accountants
Charnwood House, Harcourt Way, Meridian Business Park,
Leicester, LE19 1WP
Solicitors Shakespeare Martineau LLP
Two Colton Square, Leicester LE1 1QH
Financial Advisors Handford Aitkenhead & Walker Ltd
4 Brook Park, Gaddesby Lane, Rearsby,
Leicestershire LE7 4ZB
Bankers Lloyds Bank plc
SME Client Services, Orchard House, Orchard Hill, Little B
Northampton NN3 9AG

The title to the property is held since 15[th] July 2021 by the Official Custodian for Charities in trust for the charity under the powers given in sections 69 and 90 of the Charities Act 2011.

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The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association Trustees’ Report For the year ended 31 December 2023

Introduction

The trustees present their report along with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2023. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity’s trust deed, the Charities Act 2011 and the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities published on 16[th] July 2014.

Our Vision

The guiding vision of LAA is happy pets in responsible, loving homes and to this end we serve the public by providing a second chance for hundreds of unwanted, abandoned, lost, stray or neglected domestic animals.

Objectives

“The objects of the Association are to collect sums of money for the purpose of acquiring from all sources and protecting and caring for lost, stray and unwanted domestic animals, accommodating, feeding, training, providing veterinary services for and otherwise caring for and promoting the welfare of such animals generally and the placing of such animals in suitable homes.”

Our primary animal welfare objective for 2024 is to continue to develop and improve the quality of the care we provide and to strengthen the service we give to the public.

Our primary financial objective for 2024 is to ensure that the charity operates on a sound commercial basis, therefore securing the future of LAA and the welfare of the cats and dogs in our care.

Our Purpose

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The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association Trustees’ Report For the year ended 31 December 2023

Public Benefit

Leicester Animal Aid seeks to deliver public benefit by helping to ensure that local communities do not have to deal with unwanted dogs or cats and promote and support responsible pet ownership. In addition to the public benefit of fewer stray animals on the street we believe that our activities support and educate local people to enjoy the great benefits of happy and safe pet ownership, which in turn promotes proven health benefits.

These benefits are delivered directly to the public through the following activities:

Activities and Fundraising

Our Fundraising Team has put in place a comprehensive strategy to better structure our fund-raising and volunteer programme by:-

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The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association Trustees’ Report For the year ended 31 December 2023

Volunteers

LAA could not exist without the help and support provided by volunteers too numerous to mention individually. We thank you all for your selfless contribution to the well-being of the charity and for your support in what we are trying to achieve by giving freely of their time. For example the foster-carers, shop and sale volunteers, donated goods sorters, Kennel and cattery helpers, receptionists, gardeners, site maintainers, supermarket collectors, trustees and many other volunteers.

Examples of fundraisers

Donations

Ambassador Barrie Stephen

Local entrepreneur Barrie Stephen became an ambassador for LAA in 2019. A dedicated fundraiser, big animal lover and a well-respected member of the local business community, Barrie with PA Chelsea Read, family, friends and colleagues in Barrie’s Salons have raised £1,508 in 2023 by organising events, attending two CPSS parties, supplied tombola prizes and encouraged other corporate and private donations and in the last 5 years has raised over £20,000.

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The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association Trustees’ Report For the year ended 31 December 2023

Corporate Supporters – it’s not all about direct donations. Giving the gift of time and skills sharing has been incredibly useful to us too

Investing in communications

We are spreading our news and photographs through our twice yearly printed newsletter, Google, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and our website www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk .

Staff Development

We are very proud of our staff’s continued dedication and commitment to their individual roles and the Charity as a whole and the team has excelled during 2023 with real dedication especially in difficult times to ensure the well-being of the animals in our care.

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The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association Trustees’ Report For the year ended 31 December 2023

Achievements and Performance

Animal numbers

Dogs Number into re-home 100 (2022 127) Rehomed 81 (2022 131) Strays reunited with owners 1 (2022 31) Returned to LAA 13 (2022 7) Deceased 8 (2022 6) ( 6 ill health and 2 for behavioural reasons)

Cats Number into re-home 199 (2022 195) (Including 31 born on site) Re-homed 174 (2022 175) Returned to LAA 10 (2022 15) Deceased 6 (2022 1) (ill health)

Our intake of dogs fell by 21% following COVID-19 in 2020 however, the numbers today are increasing and are still high, as more people find it difficult to look after their pets. We have not seen a decrease in unwanted female cats and kittens including many born on site.

We take this opportunity to thank all our kennel and cattery staff along with our reception staff and volunteers for their dedication and hard work in all weathers and for the love they give to our residents every day.

Animal Welfare

Leicester Animal Aid’s non-euthanasia policy ensures that regardless of breed, age and length of stay, all dogs and cats will be cared for until a new, loving home can be found. Whilst in the care of LAA all efforts will be made to ensure their stay is safe, secure and happy. Their psychological and physical welfare is our primary concern. However, sadly there are occasions when it becomes apparent that an animal may be deemed too ill or aggressive to enjoy a quality of life and as a responsible and caring organisation, we cannot re-home. Any decision to put an animal to sleep is taken only when all other avenues have been exhausted and must be authorised in writing by the General Manager, in consultation with our nominated veterinary practice, and where appropriate, a qualified behaviourist.

Any such sad decisions are reported to the Management Committee with full details by the General Manager as part of her Operational Report.

It may be necessary to put an animal to sleep for the following reason(s):

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The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association Trustees’ Report For the year ended 31 December 2023

What is FIV?

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) stops a cat’s body from producing a normal immune response. Infected cats are highly susceptible to secondary infections and illnesses.

The FIV virus is usually passed through biting in fights. It can be spread through one bite, either from or inflicted upon, an FIV infected cat. Infected cats are a risk to healthy cats.

What is FeLV?

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is an incurable viral infection that eventually produces fatal illness in infected cats.

The virus is spread by infected cats through licking, biting, sharing food bowls and litter trays. Close contact is required and the virus is found in saliva, urine and other secretions of infected cats.

We are proud that our enrichment activities have been recognised on a national and international stage. We have hosted representatives from many other animal welfare organisations who have visited our site and who have been very impressed with the enrichment facilities provided by the staff and site and also by its cleanliness and technical aspects.

Pet support

A kennel environment is by its very nature a stressful experience for domestic pets and we are planning to provide even more facilities during 2023 to help alleviate the animals’ stress and boredom. We continue to look for further improvements to our site.

Community Pet Support Scheme (CPSS) .

We launched in July 2016 our ‘free to use Community Pet Support Scheme’ for elderly, disabled, isolated and vulnerable people in the Districts of Oadby & Wigston, Blaby and Hinckley & Bosworth to help them keep their cherished pets in their homes. This is done by working with professional referral partners such as local social services, health services and voluntary organisations. This scheme is run by our CPSS co-ordinator with a team of staff.

We supported 27 clients in 2023 with a combination of dog walking, grooming cleaning litter trays, transportation to the vets, veterinary costs, and pet food. Our summer tea party and Christmas party events for our clients provided food, drink and entertainment and were both well attended and thoroughly enjoyed. It is with grateful thanks to our generous fund raisers, including the National Lottery Community Fund (2023 – 2025) that we have been running this free to use scheme since 2016.

We are enormously grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund, Animal Friends Pet Insurance, (Edith Murphy Foundation, Shire Community Grants) Co-op Local Communities Fund, Barratt Foundation / David Wilson homes, Hinckley Park Community Fund, Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation and others for helping fund our Community Pet Support Scheme.

We are grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund who are granting £90,000 over a three-year period from April 2022 to help with staff costs.

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The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association Trustees’ Report For the year ended 31 December 2023

We have seen many more dogs that have been relinquished by their owners and stray dogs that are under 4 years old. Many of these dogs were acquired during the UK Government COVID lockdown periods and sadly 49% of all dogs on our waiting list, in the first 6 months of 2023, had been owned since puppies. Two of the most common reasons for owners needing to rehome their dog was due to owner illness and pet restrictions with rented accommodation. Owners that stated they no longer had time for their dog amounted to 8% of all dogs on the waiting list. 6% of owners stated that the reason for rehoming was because the dog had insufficient training. Most dogs that have been cared for by LAA in 2023 have required rehabilitation to help build their confidence with new people, new environments, and other dogs; having not received adequate socialisation or training in their former home(s).

Aimee Winterton, Kennel Co-ordinator, is an experienced and qualified dog trainer and behaviourist. Aimee has been kept very busy during 2023 supporting the team to help the dogs become well-adjusted and well-behaved individuals in preparation for their new homes.

We care passionately about the animals in our care and supporting our team is imperative as their unfaltering dedication is both physically demanding but can also be emotionally challenging. Many of the cats and dogs that need our help have experienced instability in their short lives and some have been the victims of unkind treatment and subsequent trauma. It is upsetting for our team to witness the effects that this has had on the cats and dogs they care deeply for.

Most cats needing rescue space have not been vaccinated, neutered, or spayed and, sadly, many female cats have had multiple litters of kittens before arriving at our Centre. We have also seen more cats that have needed veterinary attention, including untreated flea allergies which has caused skin irritation and distress and essential dental work, even for younger cats.

Enrichment

Our animal care team focus on multiple aspects of quality animal care and one such area is enrichment. This is essential to allow cats and dogs to exhibit natural behaviours and it helps to alleviate anxiety and stress; build confidence and helps to keep our dogs and cats happy and healthy.

Play time and exploration with toys and treat puzzles (dogs and cats), places to explore for cats such as a climbing tree, shelves, hooded beds, cardboard boxes, cat scratch posts, agility equipment (for dogs).

Exercise

We have 7 large exercise areas on site for dogs to run, explore, play with other dog friends, and secure play areas (with artificial grass) and sheltered from the odd shower or sunshine complete with ball pits and paddling pools. Many of our dogs enjoy regular offsite walks to local dog friendly areas such as Huncote Pavilion fields, Croft Hill, and Normanton Woods. Our cattery has 2 purpose built indoor cat activity and chill-out rooms and 4 secure outdoor play areas.

Food

We use fun treat dispensers and interactive puzzle games for both dogs and cats and filled tasty Kong’s and spaceships, Licki mats and snuffle mats.

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The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association Trustees’ Report For the year ended 31 December 2023

Socialisation

Positive interaction with our staff and volunteers to provide companionship and the ability to bond with new people. Dogs that like other dogs can make new friends to walk with and to play with. Cats that enjoy the company of other cats can make new friends in one of our outdoor, secure adventure play areas.

Fun training

Dogs and cats can both enjoy training whether it is to improve behaviours or just for fun. Our focus is always on praise and reward.

Pet Food Bank

We’re proud to have supported over 70 owners / families with dog and cat food. A huge thank you to Mars Petcare who initially supplied us with Pedigree dog food and Whiskas cat food. This has been a lifeline for many people who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

Volunteers

Thank you to our wonderful team of volunteers who support our work in the following areas: on site charity shop; serving customers and sorting donated goods, monthly coffee shop and regular on-site and off-site sales. Dog walkers and dog sitters, cattery volunteers - cleaners, groomers, kitten and cat pet sitters, supermarket food collectors, business collection tin collectors, fundraising events, gardeners, maintenance, and DIY.

Projects

Essential electrical upgrade across site. Smoke alarm detectors installed in animal care building. Improvements to Sparky kennel building roof. New astroturf in the dog play areas (9) and the solar panel project to reduce the cost of electricity.

UK Government Dangerous Dog Act – XL Bullies

31 December 2023: After this date any identified American Bully XLs will be prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act and it will be illegal to sell, advertise, give away, abandon, breed or rehome these dogs. Any rescue organisations will no longer be able to rehome Bully XLs after this date.

As a member of the Association of Dog and Cat Homes we are all incredibly concerned about the rising number of dog bite incidents and the biggest priority of everyone involved is to protect the public. 32 years of the Dangerous Dogs Act, which has focused on banning specific types, has coincided with a troubling increase in dog bites and fatalities which shows that this approach simply isn’t working. The biggest priority for everyone involved is to protect the public – but banning the breed will sadly not stop these types of incidents recurring.

The UK Government must tackle the root issue by dealing with the unscrupulous breeders, who are putting profit before welfare, and the irresponsible owners whose dogs are dangerously out of control.

We urge the Prime Minister to work with the dog rescue and welfare sector to fully understand the wide-reaching consequences of his decision to ban American XL Bullies, which will have significant impacts on owners, the animal welfare sector, vets, law enforcement and the public.

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The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association Trustees’ Report For the year ended 31 December 2023

It is also critical that any policy designed to protect public safety is based on robust evidence, and we are deeply concerned about the lack of data behind this decision and its potential to prevent dog bites.

Rehoming success of LAA’s XL Bully ‘Hippo’

We were delighted to have successfully rehomed Hippo before the deadline.

Financial Review

The charity receives no government support and is totally reliant for its income on legacies, donations, fundraising, grants, donations from our trading subsidiary and investment income.

Most of our expenditure goes towards our charitable objectives of finding loving forever homes for our rehomed animals and to provide support and guidance for pet owners.

----- Start of picture text -----
Income 2023 2022
£ % £ %
Legacies £220,260 34% £392,467 51%
Grants - - £4,167 1%
Donations and fundraising £354,296 54% £288,069 37%
Homing fees £32,542 5% £44,878 6%
Donation from trading subsidiary £48,788 7% £ 37,894 5%
Sub total £655,886 100% £767,475 100%
Investment Income £42,898 £43,669
Total income £698,784 £811,144
----- End of picture text -----

2023 has been a disappointing year financially for the charity, our total income was £698,784 (2022 £811,144) and our costs were £916,937 (2022 £772,218). Consequently, the charity finishes the year with a deficit of £120,627 (including unrealised gains on investments of £97,526). In 2022 the deficit was £237,559 (including unrealised losses on investments of £276,485).

Our financial viability is highly dependent on legacy income which by its nature is very volatile. In 2023 we received a good amount from legacies of £220,260 (2022 £392,467). The proportion of our income from legacies fell from 51% to 34% in 2023. This cannot be relied on or expected in future years.

The Trustees are aware that future income from legacies cannot be guaranteed and therefore it is prudent to identify ways in which income from other sources can be generated to cover any potential shortfall in the future. The Trustees and fundraising team are working on different incomegenerating projects to provide regular income through membership, monthly donations, and trading income.

----- Start of picture text -----
Expenditure 2023 2022
£ % £ %
Fundraising costs £42,982 5% £46,157 6%
Charitable expenditure £857,055 93% £710,976 92%
Governance costs £16,900 2% £15,085 2%
Total costs £916,937 100% £772,218 100%
----- End of picture text -----

93p in the £1 (92p in 2022) of our costs are spent on our charitable aims.

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The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association Trustees’ Report For the year ended 31 December 2023

In 2023 our payroll costs increased by £80,033 from £439,219 to £519,252 with average number of staff increasing from 26 to 29. In November 2016 the charity put in a place an employees’ pension scheme with People’s Pension and are pleased to report a 100% take up by eligible staff. In 2023 this cost the charity £14,375.

Veterinary fees increased by £30,406 from £66,400 in 2022 to £96,806 in 2023 for many reasons however particularly because more animals have come into our care and are requiring more specialist care and therefore veterinary fees and medicine costs have increased as a result, see previous notes mentioned above for further information from pages 6 to 8.

The General Manager and her staff are to be commended for maintaining tight budgetary control over expenditure throughout the year. Control of costs against the budget is particularly important when we have such volatility of income.

Leicester Animal Aid Limited (LAA Ltd) is the wholly owned trading subsidiary of the charity. 2023 was a better year for LAA Ltd with the shops reopening for long periods and several smaller sales events taking place later in the year. Income rose from £63,444 in 2022 to £78,324 in 2023 and we were able to donate £48,788 profit from LAA Ltd to the Charity in 2023.

Investment Policy and Performance

Aims

The overall investment aim is to maximise income in the form of interest and dividends, whilst maintaining the value of the capital sums invested. During 2023 the Trustees followed independent financial investment advice from Handford Aitkenhead & Walker Ltd.

Preferences/Constraints

Wherever possible investments exclude organisations which are involved in animal testing for cosmetic or pharmaceutical purposes, intensive farming or fur trading. This does very much restrict the range of funds we can invest in.

Short-term financing needs will be achieved by the use of Fixed Term Deposits. The term of each deposit should not exceed 2 years.

Risk Profile

A risk-averse investment policy was pursued to protect the underlying value of the funds donated by our supporters.

Monitoring

Returns on investment are monitored by the Treasurer to ensure that an adequate income stream is being maintained. Investment performance is reviewed periodically by the Trustees in conjunction with the financial advisors and reported to the Committee four times a year.

A spread of ethical investments is actively managed by Aviva. This year the dividends and interest paid out to the charity were £24,000 (2022 £26,500), income generated from investments was £28,968 (2022 £28,698).

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The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association Trustees’ Report For the year ended 31 December 2023

2023 was a better year for investors. Our portfolio is a mixture of equities 60%, fixed interest securities 34% and money market 6%. The value of our investments rose by £98,816 (10.5%) (2022 fell by £282,156 (19%)).

The advice at the moment is to hold the investments in the expectation of a longer-term recovery with a minor adjustment with some reduction in investment in UK company shares.

Investment income is received net of investment management costs, which are deducted at source. Investment management costs are made up of the following elements:

Aviva transactional and ongoing fees

Aviva transactional and ongoing fees 0.77 % Investment Advice Fees (after charity discount) 0.49 % Total costs of investment are 1.3% (2022 1.3%) per annum.

Reserves Policy

Reserves are held to protect the charity against fluctuations in income and to ensure that sufficient funds are held to enable us to fulfil our plans and objectives. The Trustees have reviewed the Reserves Policy in the light of the Strategic Review and have decided it would be prudent to hold allocated reserves to cover specific planned activities. In addition, the Trustees have noted that many charities within the sector have felt it prudent to hold two years’ operating expenses in reserve to cover any potential downturns in income and have decided to set the Operating Cost Reserve accordingly.

Reserves are allocated as follows:

----- Start of picture text -----
Reserve Name Objective Amount
 Operating Cost Reserve To ensure and protect continuing operation of the re- £1,000,000
homing centre
 Maintenance Reserve To ensure the re-homing centre continues to be fit for £100,000
purpose
 Business Development To ensure that funds are available to support activities £150,000
Reserve designed to raise revenue
 Outreach Support To provide funds to support dogs and cats in the local £25,000
Reserve community
----- End of picture text -----

Designated Funds

Designated funds have been allocated to the following projects completed in 2023: -

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The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association Trustees’ Report For the year ended 31 December 2023

The trustees and senior management are constantly reviewing and planning for improvements to our site using grants, donations, and the funds of the charity.

Future plans to include: -

Restricted Funds

Funds given through donations or other sources for specific projects will be separately identified and treated as restricted reserves. Restricted reserves will only be spent for their intended use as specified by the donor.

Movements on reserves are regularly monitored by the Treasurer and reported to the Trustees on at least a quarterly basis.

Reserves are invested in accordance with the charity’s Investment Policy and the Reserves Policy is reviewed annually.

Structure, Governance and Management

LAA is an unincorporated charity and the charity’s objects are set out in its Rules and Constitution (2023).

The charity was formally founded in 1956 by Dorothea Farndon who used to buy all the stray dogs from the police each week that were due to be shot, having not been claimed. In 1960 Mrs. Farndon acquired land at Thurmaston Lane, Leicester where she was able to put up kennels and establish her own rescue centre. In 1971 she oversaw the move to the current premises in Huncote, Leicestershire.

The trustees are appointed by the Membership at the Annual General Meeting and under current Rules general trustees may serve for an unlimited period of time. The Revised Rules and Constitution (2012) require the election of the officers of the charity (a chair, vice-chair, secretary, treasurer, and assistant treasurer) from amongst the members at the Annual General Meeting, who shall hold office from the conclusion of that meeting for a period of two years.

LAA is overseen by a Management Committee, which consists of up to 12 trustees who undertake their duties without payment.

The Committee meets every six weeks to discuss and agree the broad strategy and areas of activity for the charity, including consideration of investment, reserves and risk management policies and performance.

The Committee receives an operational report from the General Manager covering the welfare of animals, personnel issues, operational statistics and other matters and an update report of activities from the Fundraising Manager. The committee receives monthly reports from the Treasurer of the financial position of the charity and trading company.

The Trustees are actively seeking further appropriately qualified and/or experienced potential Trustees.

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The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association Trustees’ Report For the year ended 31 December 2023

As LAA continues its work within an increasingly complex legal, social, and environmental framework the trustees have recognised the need to focus on specific issues and to draw on specialist skills, whether they exist within the trustee body, or elsewhere.

The charity is a member of the Association of British Dogs and Cats Homes and is affiliated to the charity Wood Green Animal Shelters.

Risk Management

The Trustees have reviewed the major risks and are satisfied that systems and procedures have been established to manage those risks.

The trustees and staff assess and review through the year the risks associated with running the charity and have established systems and procedures to mitigate against material risks. The General Manager reports to the Trustees at each Management Committee Meeting on all aspects of Risk Management. All insurable risks are covered by insurance, including public liability, buildings and premises, trustee indemnity insurance.

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The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association Trustees’ Report For the year ended 31 December 2023

Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales 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 of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and 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.

Signed on behalf of the trustees:

Anabel Mcdougall

Luke Collett

Date: 10 June 2024

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The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees For the year ended 31 December 2023

We have audited the financial statements of The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 December 2023 on pages 19 to 28, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Statement of Cash Flows, the Charity Balance Sheet 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 and United Kingdom Accounting Standards including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

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 Auditor’s 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 other information comprises the information included in the trustee’s annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. 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.

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 course of 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.

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The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees For the year ended 31 December 2023

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 Act 2011 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 15, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of 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.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

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 an auditor’s report 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.

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 specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

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The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees of For the year ended 31 December 2023

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

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.

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 auditor’s 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.

The Rowleys Partnership Ltd Statutory Auditors Chartered Accountants Eligible to act as an auditor in terms of Section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006 Charnwood House Harcourt Way Meridian Business Park Leicester Leicestershire LE19 1WP

Date: 12 June 2024

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The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association

Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 December 2023

Note
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
2
Investments
3
Other income
3a
Total income
Expenditure on:
Cost of generating funds
Fundraising costs
4
Charitable expenditure
Costs of activities in furtherance
of the Charity's objectives
5
Other
Support costs
6
Total expenditure
Net gains/(losses) on investments:
8
Net income
Funds Transferred
13
Net movement in funds
13
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
13
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
587,070
42,898
9,192
639,160
42,982
767,683
16,900
827,565
97,526
(90,879)
(12,755)
(103,634)
3,316,021
3,212,387		 Restricted
Funds
£
59,624
-
-
59,624
-
89,372
-
89,372
-
(29,748)
12,755
(16,993)
41,941
24,948		 Total
Total
2023
2022
£
£
646,694
761,531
42,898
43,669
9,192
5,944
698,784
811,144
42,982
46,157
857,055
710,976
16,900
15,085
916,937
772,218
97,526
(276,485)
(120,627)
(237,559)
-
-
(120,627)
(237,559)
3,357,962
3,595,521
3,237,335
3,357,962

All income and expenditure is derived from continuing activities.

19

The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association Balance Sheet As at 31 December 2023

Note
Fixed Assets
Investments
8
Tangible assets
9
Current Assets
Debtors
10
Cash at bank and in hand
11
Current Liabilities
Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year
12
Net Current Assets
Unrestricted Funds
Designated Funds
Restricted Funds
Approved on behalf of the trustees:
Anabel Mcdougall
13		 £
£
£
£
1,285,455
1,186,639
1,147,741
1,132,758
2,433,196
2,319,397
81,983
280,572
761,865
782,377
843,848
1,062,949
(39,709)
(24,384)
804,139
1,038,565
3,237,335
3,357,962
1,937,387
2,041,021
1,275,000
1,275,000
24,948
41,941
3,237,335
3,357,962
Luke Collett
2023
2022		 £
£
£
£
1,285,455
1,186,639
1,147,741
1,132,758
2,433,196
2,319,397
81,983
280,572
761,865
782,377
843,848
1,062,949
(39,709)
(24,384)
804,139
1,038,565
3,237,335
3,357,962
1,937,387
2,041,021
1,275,000
1,275,000
24,948
41,941
3,237,335
3,357,962
Luke Collett
2023
2022
2,319,397
1,038,565
3,357,962
2,041,021
1,275,000
41,941
3,357,962

Date: 10 June 2024

The notes on page 22 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

20

The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association

Statement of Cash Flows As at 31 December 2023

2023 2022
Note £ £
Cash flow from operating activities 1 8,982 (127,047)
Cash flow from investing activities
Interest received 4,968 2,197
Dividends received 24,000 26,500
Capital expenditure
Fixed asset additions (57,172) (50,304)
Investment additions (155,042) (51,773)
Investment disposal proceeds 153,752 57,442
Net cash flow from investing activities (29,494) (15,938)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (20,512) (142,985)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period 782,377 925,362
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period 761,865 782,377
Note 1: Reconciliation of net income to net cash flow from operating activities
2023 2022
£ £
Net income for year (as per the statement of financial activities) (120,627) (237,559)
Adjusted for:
Gain/(loss)on investment (97,526) 276,485
Dividends and interest from investments (28,968) (28,698)
Depreciation charges 42,189 34,792
Decrease/(increase) in debtors 198,589 (177,738)
(Decrease)/increase in creditors 15,325 5,671
Net cash flow from operating activities 8,982 (127,047)

21

The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association

Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 December 2023

1 Accounting policies

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation on investment assets where appropriate, which are shown at market value.

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

Restricted Funds

These relate to monies received for specific projects, notably the sponsor fund whereby individuals sponsor the care of certain animals. Certain monies received in the past relating to building projects are transferred to unrestricted funds once the building works have been achieved.

Unrestricted Funds

Unrestricted Funds comprise those funds which the trustees are free to use for any purpose in furtherance of the charitable objectives.

Designated Funds

Designated Funds comprise of those funds which the trustees have seperated from general funds for specific operational projects as detailed in Note 12 of these financial statements.

Income & Expenditure

All incoming resources are recognised once the charity has entitlement to the resources, it is certain that the resources will be received and the monetary value of incoming resources can be measured with sufficient reliability. This also applies to any legacies.

Gifts in kind are estimates based on market price the charity would otherwise have paid.

Expenditure is recognised as resources expended as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure.

All income and expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis.

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Costs include those directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended.

Depreciation

Depreciation of fixed assets is calculated to write off their cost or valuation less any residual value over their estimated useful lives as follows:

Freehold Land and Buildings 2% Per annum on cost of buildings Plant and Machinery 10% Per annum on net book value Motor Vehicles 25% Per annum on net book value

Investments

Investments are recognised initially at fair value which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs. Subsequently, they are measured at fair value with changes recognised in ‘net gains / (losses) on investments’ in the SOFA if the shares are publicly traded or their fair value can otherwise be measured. reliably.

Investments in subsidiaries are measured at cost less impairment.

22

The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association

Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 December 2023

1 Accounting policies - continued

Allocation of overheads and support costs

Overhead and support costs have been allocated between costs of activities in furtherance of the charities objectives and governance costs.

Costs of activities in furtherance of the Charity's objectives

Costs of activities in furtherance of the Charity's objectives are those costs incurred in the day to day running of the charity in order to meet its objectives, as described in the report of the trustees.

Governance costs

Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice.

2
Schedule of Income received
Legacies
Membership fees
Collection Boxes
Give as you earn donations
Fund raising
Subscriptions, donations & prize
Homed
Gifts in kind
Sponsors
Income from subsidiary		 Unrestricted
fund
£
220,260
23,381
2,275
2,034
35,022
d
171,520
32,542
50,998
250
48,788
587,070		 Restricted
fund
£
-
-
-
-
-
59,624
-
-
-
-
59,624		 Total
2023
£
220,260
23,381
2,275
2,034
35,022
231,145
32,542
50,998
250
48,788
646,694		 Unrestricted
fund
£
392,467
26,033
1,766
1,168
28,619
117,389
44,878
20,518
559
37,894
671,291		 Restricted
Total
fund
2022
£
£
-
392,467
-
26,033
-
1,766
-
1,168
-
28,619
90,240
207,629
-
44,878
-
20,518
-
559
-
37,894
90,240
761,531

The charity is continually grateful to the donations of the general public and various institutions for donations of food and consumables utilised by the charity in the caring for the animals. An amount totalling £50,998 in respect of the fair value of these goods is recognised in donations above with the equivalent charge included within Food and consumables' in note 5 of these financial statements.

3
Schedule of Investment income
Bank deposit interest
Dividend income
3a
Other Income
Grant income
Management charge
Rental income
Tax rebate on covenants and gift
aid		 Unrestricted
fund
£
4,968
24,000
13,930
42,898
-
6,971
2,221
9,192
 Restricted
fund
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Total
2023
£
4,968
24,000
13,930
42,898
-
6,971
2,221
9,192		 Unrestricted
fund
£
2,198
26,500
14,971
43,669
2,667
-
1,777
4,444		 Restricted
Total
fund
2022
£
£
-
2,198
-
26,500
-
14,971
-
43,669
1,500
4,167
-
-
-
1,777
1,500
5,944

23

Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 December 2023

The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association

4 Fundraising costs

Unrestricted
fund
£
Fundraising staff costs
33,692
Fundraising expenses
6,423
Advertising
2,867
42,982		 Restricted
fund
£
-
-
-
-		 Total
Unrestricted
2023
fund
£
£
33,692
35,331
6,423
6,499
2,867
4,327
42,982
46,157		 Restricted
Total
fund
2022
£
£
-
35,331
-
6,499
-
4,327
-
46,157

5 Costs of activities in furtherance of the Charity's objectives

Unrestricted
fund
£
Salaries and wages
411,255
Social security costs
25,383
Veterinary and medical fees
71,757
Rates and water charges
2,889
Food and consumables
56,434
Cleaning and waste disposal charges
12,553
Training
1,709
Heating and lighting
29,628
Repairs and renewals
46,033
Insurances
12,981
Sundry expenses
3,693
Depreciation of buildings
33,821
Depreciation motor vehicles
271
Depreciation plant and machinery
8,097
Motor expenses
4,136
Printing postage and stationery
21,949
Telephone charges
3,724
Computer and internet
19,426
Bank charges
534
Subscriptions
1,410
767,683
Support costs
Unrestricted
fund
£
Governance costs
Salaries and wages
4,131
Social security costs
445
Legal and professional fees
1,419
Auditors' remuneration - Audit
7,675
Auditors' remuneration - Non Audit
3,230
16,900		 Restricted
fund
£
44,346
-
25,049
-
16,405
-
-
-
44
-
3,153
-
-
-
41
-
334
-
-
-
89,372
Restricted
fund
£
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Total
Unrestricted
2023
fund
£
£
455,601
335,183
25,383
20,816
96,806
59,158
2,889
2,085
72,839
24,313
12,553
10,590
1,709
1,210
29,628
20,228
46,077
85,816
12,981
10,698
6,846
10,803
33,821
33,821
271
361
8,097
610
4,177
3,993
21,949
20,043
4,058
3,909
19,426
7,258
534
235
1,410
1,144
857,055
652,274
Total
Unrestricted
2023
fund
£
£
4,131
3,516
445
391
1,419
1,781
7,675
5,250
3,230
4,147
16,900
15,085		 Restricted
Total
fund
2022
£
£
43,981
379,164
-
20,816
7,242
66,400
-
2,085
6,341
30,654
-
10,590
-
1,210
-
20,228
979
86,795
-
10,698
-
10,803
-
33,821
-
361
-
610
-
3,993
-
20,043
159
4,068
-
7,258
-
235
-
1,144
58,702
710,976
Restricted
Total
fund
2022
£
£
-
3,516
-
391
-
1,781
-
5,250
-
4,147
-
15,085

24

The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association

Notes to the Accounts

For the year ended 31 December 2023

7 Staff costs

Wages and Salaries
Employers National Insurance
Employers Pension Contributions
The average number of employees was:		 2023
2022
£
£
479,049
405,658
25,828
21,207
14,375
12,354
519,252
439,219
2023
2022
29
26

Personnel, deemed as key to the purposes of the charity by the trustees received remuneration in the year totalling £45,770 (2022 - £43,174).

Key personnel are occasionaly reimbursed for travel costs, these however are not material to the financial statements. No employee has received remuneration in excess of £60,000 in the current or prior financial period.

The trustees are all volunteers and received no remuneration or remibursement of expenses in this year or in the previous year.

8
Investments
Cost or Valuation brought forward
Addition
Disposals
Change in market value
Cost or Valuation carried forward		 Listed
£
1,186,638
155,042
(153,752)
97,526
1,285,454		 Unlisted
£
1
-
-
-
1		 Total
Total
2023
2022
£
£
1,186,639
1,468,795
155,042
51,773
(153,752)
(57,444)
97,526
(276,485)
1,285,455
1,186,639

The charity owns the whole of the issued ordinary share capital of Leicester Animal Aid Ltd, a company registered in England, no.07064232. The subsidiary is used for non-primary purpose trading activities. Available profits are gifted to the charity and subsequently treated as donations. A summary of the results of the subsidiary is shown below:

Profit and loss account
Turnover
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Donations to LAA
Administrative expenses
Profit after taxation
Balance Sheet
Assets
Liabilites
Share capital
Profit and loss
Shareholders' funds		 2023
2022
£
£
78,324
63,444
(11,413)
(10,582)
66,911
52,862
(48,788)
(37,894)
(12,009)
(4,577)
6,114
10,391
60,098
43,360
(13,514)
(2,890)
46,584
40,470
1
1
46,583
40,469
46,584
40,470

25

The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association

Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 December 2023

8 Investments (continued)

Listed investments relate to a portfolio, managed on behalf of the charity by a professional independent third party.

Investments consist of the following;
Listed holdings- UK equities
Cash on deposit
9
Tangible assets
Cost
At 1 January 2023
Additions
At 31 December 2023
Depreciation
At 1 January 2023
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2023
Net book value
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022		 Freehold
Land and
Buildings
£
1,792,619
-		 Plant and
Machinery
£
63,185
57,172		 2023
2022
£
£
1,254,077
1,156,552
31,377
30,086
1,285,454
1,186,638
Motor
Vehicles
Total
£
£
10,970
1,866,774
-
57,172
10,970
1,923,946
9,886
734,016
271
42,189
10,157
776,205
813
1,147,741
1,084
1,132,758
1,792,619 120,357
684,739
33,821		 39,391
8,097
718,560 47,488
1,074,059 72,869
1,107,880 23,794

The Freehold property is held by the Official Custodian for Charities dated the 15 July 2021 by Order of the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

10
Debtors
Trade debtors
Amounts owed from subsidiary company
Prepayments and accrued income
VAT receivable
11
Cash at Bank and in Hand
Cash at bank
Fixed term deposits		 2023
2022
£
£
-
60
8,888
58
65,171
272,846
7,924
7,608
81,983
280,572
2023
2022
£
£
162,850
782,377
599,015
-
761,865
782,377

Fixed term deposits include short term deposits amounting to £514,015 which are due to mature within 1 year, and deposits amounting to £85,000 which are due to mature in more than 1 year.

26

The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association

Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 December 2023

12
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Other creditors
13
Funds and funds transfers		 12
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Other creditors
13
Funds and funds transfers		 2023
2022
£
£
21,834
14,345
16,604
9,182
1,271
857
39,709
24,384
Unrestricted Balance
at 01.01.23
Incoming
Outgoing
£
£
£		 Balance
Transfers
at 31.12.23
£
£
General 2,041,021
736,686
(827,565)		 (12,755)
1,937,387
Designated:
Rehoming Centre Operations
Rehoming Centre Maintenance
Business Development
Outreach Support
Restricted
Special purpose donations		 1,000,000
-
-
100,000
-
-
150,000
-
-
25,000
-
-		 -
1,000,000
-
100,000
-
150,000
-
25,000
1,275,000
-
-		 -
1,275,000
-
3,736
-
14,114
-
1,671
-
1,334
12,143
153
- Kennels Enrichment
- Cattery Enrichment		 11,153
5,428
(12,845)
10,675
5,900
(2,461)
P Dakin Legacy
Jean Chuter Memorial Fund		 1,671
-
-
1,334
-
-
Community Pet Support Scheme
- General Fund		 -
8,296
(20,286)
14,765
15,000
(29,765)
-
25,000
(22,206)
- The National Lottery Community
Fund RC Midlands Region		 -
-
John Townsend donation -
2,794
-
304
-
842
Petplan (Site signs Profect)
Dog Adventure Playground Project		 304
-
-
842
-
-
Mars Food Grants 2022 1,197
-
(1,809)		 612
-
41,941
59,624
(89,372)		 12,755
24,948
Total funds 3,357,962
796,310
(916,937)		 -
3,237,335

Transfers can occur when project spending has been charged through general reserves but related to designated or restricted funds. Furthermore, where funds relate to capital projects, the policy is to make a transfer to unrestricted funds once the capital spend has taken place. In the year the analysis of the transfers were as follows:

transfer to unrestricted funds once the capital spend
were as follows:		 has taken place. In the year the analysis of the transfers
£
Costs charged through general reserves (12,755)
Capital spend -
(12,755)

27

The Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association

Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 December 2023

13 Funds and funds transfers (continued)

Community Pet Support Scheme

A scheme set up to help the elderly, disabled, isolated and vulnerable people to help them keep their cherished pets in their homes.

Kennel Enrichment

This includes maintaining and developing our facilities such as play areas, copse, field, agility paddock, sensory garden, training barn and chill rooms together with our purpose built play areas. These areas encourage physical activity, play time, mental stimulation and opportunity to build bonds with the team and make new friends with other dogs (where appropriate). The play equipment and activities encourage exploration and fun physical and mental activities which can help to alleviate anxiety and stress’.

Cattery Enrichment

This funds our Purrfect Palace external accommodation and our secure cat activity/play areas which are purpose built.These areas encourage physical activity, play time, mental stimulation and opportunity to build bonds with the team and make new friends with other cats (where appropriate). The play equipment and activities encourage exploration and fun physical and mental activities which can help to alleviate anxiety and stress’.

John Townsend Donation

These funds were donated to specifically put towards our vet bills for both cats and dogs. We Thank John for this very kind donation and will ensure it is used for the purpose intended.

14 Analysis of net assets by fund

Unrestricted
Funds
£		 Designated
Funds
£		 Restricted
Funds
£		 Total
Total
2023
2022
£
£
Fixed Assets
Current Assets
Current Liabilities		 1,977,096
-
(39,709)		 456,100
818,900
-		 -
24,948
-		 2,433,196
2,319,397
843,848
1,062,949
(39,709)
(24,384)
1,937,387 1,275,000 24,948 3,237,335
3,357,962

15 Commitments

The charity had total guarantees and commitments at the balance sheet date of £63,241 (2022 - £49,071).

16 Related party transactions

As explained in note 8 under investments, donations received in the year from the subsidiary was £48,788 (2022 - £37,894). Donations received from the trustees was £4,289 (2022 - £Nil).

Total sales with the subsidiary during the year were £10,407 (2022 - £1,980) and total purchases were £Nil (2022 - £597). A debtor from the subsidiary of £8,888 (2022 - £58) was outstanding at the year end.

28