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2024-12-31-accounts

THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS SOUTH LONDON BRANCH – CHARITY NUMBER 276861

TRUSTEE ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

RSPCA SOUTH LONDON

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 14
Independent examiner's report 15
Statement of financial activities 16
Balance sheet 17
Notes to the financial statements 18 - 28

The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES

The object of the charity is to promote kindness and good care, and prevent or suppress cruelty to animals by all lawful means with particular reference to the area of the Branch, in accordance with the policies of the Society.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals South London Branch of 267 Lower Addiscombe Road, Croydon, CR0 6RD is registered with the Charity Commission under charity number 276861 and is governed by the rules and regulations laid down by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

Trustees:

The trustees who served during the year were as follows:

The following Trustees were appointed at the Branch AGM: William Linsdell (re-appointed 24 June 2024, originally co-opted 29 November 2021)

Rahul Mehra (re-appointed 24 June 2024, originally co-opted 8 June 2022)

Karen Brodie (re-appointed 24 June 2024, originally co-opted 30 November 2020)

Lauren McCaughley (re-appointed 24 June 2024, originally appointed 31 January 2022)

Kelli Nelson (re-appointed 24 June 2024, originally appointed 30 October 2023)

Catherine Young (re-appointed 24 June 2024, originally appointed by replacement 29th January 2024)

Vanessa-Beattie-Jones (reappointed 24 June 2024, originally co-opted 29th January 2024)

Lindsay MacDonald (reappointed 24 June 2024, originally co-opted 29th January 2024 Ruth Long (co-opted 24th June 2024)

Lindsey Bartling (re-appointed 24 June 2024, originally co-opted 30 November 2020, resigned 6th July 2024)

Kieran Burn (re-appointed 24 June 2024, originally co-opted 28 February 2022, resigned 1st July 2024)

Amanda Scott (resigned 7th February 2024, originally appointed 13 January 2020)

Rachel Lynch (resigned 7th April 2024, originally appointed 13 January 2020)

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Charity registered number

276861

Principal office

267 Lower Addiscombe Road Croydon CR0 6RD

Independent examiner

Tim Buttifant TC Farnell Clarke Limited Evolution House Iceni Court Delft Way Norwich NR6 6BB

Bankers:

Natwest Bank Plc Whitgift Centre Branch, 40 Whitgift Centre, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 38Q

Barclays Barclays Bank Plc, Chichester 2, Leicester, LE87 288

HR Advice:

Acton Jennings LLP

The Old Co operative Building, 53 Westfield Road, Horbury, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 6HU

Payroll:

Three Counties Payroll Unit 7 Ball Mill Top, Hallow, Worcester, WR2 6LS

Independent examiner:

The Branch has an annual turnover of less than £1,000,000 so does not require an audit but an independent examination. This was undertaken by TC Farnell Clarke, Evolution House, Iceni Court, Delft Way, Norwich, NR6 6BB.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The charity is constituted as an unincorporated association. The charity operates as a separately registered Branch of the RSPCA subject to its rules for Branches (as updated in 2023). In the normal course of business, Committee members are elected at every Annual General Meeting, from the members of the Branch, to carry on the work for the ensuing year. Candidates must receive 50% of the votes of the members present. The elected Branch Committee can co-opt not more than three members onto the Committee until the next annual general meeting. All Committee members must be Society members for a minimum of three months on appointment. The Committee members are trustees of the Branch and

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are briefed on their responsibilities as trustees prior to their acceptance of the role. The trustees hold regular meetings at which decisions are made and conveyed to the staff for action.

The day to day running of the shops (currently three shops, situated in Tooting, Croydon & Crystal Palace) is delegated to the Shop Managers, via the Branch Manager. The animal welfare work is also delegated to the Branch Manager.

STRATEGIC AIMS AND OBJECTIVES, PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT

The object of the charity is to promote kindness and good care and prevent or suppress cruelty to animals by all lawful means with particular reference to the area of the Branch, in accordance with the policies of the Society. Our activities to achieve the objectives include the following:

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The trustees have reviewed the outcomes and achievements of our objectives and activities for the year to ensure they remain focused on our charitable aims and continue to deliver benefits to the public. We have complied with this duty under the Charities Act 2022 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Commission.

RISK MANAGEMENT & POLICY UPDATES

As part of our ongoing commitment to reviewing and mitigating against the potential risks that the charity faces, the trustees have created a risk register. The purpose of this is to understand and predict any risks that the charity may face and take preventative steps to mitigate against any adverse impact. This protects the interests and aims of the organisation as well as adheres to the requirements of good corporate governance.

The risk register has been comprehensively reviewed in 2024 and all risks had inherent and residual risk ratings assessed with clear ownership assigned. This ensures that the recorded risks have an accountable individual and action plan which is tracked to conclusion to ensure the risk is mitigated with appropriate controls. The Branch identified the following risks which are ongoing:

Financial risks

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-Insufficient resources to help all the animals that need us. The reality of animal rescue in London is that all our resources and those of other charities are always overwhelmed with many more animals needing our help than can be accommodated.

Reputational risks

Regulatory/ Compliance risks

Operational risks

In addition to the risks faced by the charity, the trustees have also taken steps to mitigate against any risks that our staff and volunteers may face during the course of their duties.

To this end, the trustees have undertaken a wholesale review of the Branch’s 30 policies and procedures over the last 18 months. This review has included the development of policies around cyber security and lone working, enhanced operating procedures around the control of veterinary spend and other financial controls, checklists for Trustee onboarding and training, and revisions to all other governance and compliance policies. With the support of Acton Jennings LLP for matters of human resources and health and safety, the Branch has been working to substantially refresh and enhance its employee handbook to ensure that staff and volunteers feel safe and supported at work and have the necessary information to best perform their roles.

BRANCH ACTIVITIES

Caterham Shop

Since 2019, we have been running a charity shop in Caterham on behalf of Purley, Caterham District Branch, with 25% of any profits going to that Branch.

In 2024, we took the difficult decision to close down the Caterham shop during the year due to continued poor financial results and high maintenance costs.

Unfortunately, the current board inherited the fully repairing lease from a previous trustee board. The lease was signed in 2019 and did not have any dilapidation schedule associated

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with it, and although we attempted to negotiate more favourable exit terms from the landlord, they were unwilling to compromise and we were legally bound to pay for all of the required repairs.

A large proportion of our 2024 loss related to trading losses and maintenance costs from the Caterham shop, as well as exceptional costs to return the premises to the condition stipulated in the lease. The total amount of the loss related to Caterham for 2024 was £57,591, including £43,371 of expenses directly related to closing the shop which are shown as an exceptional item in the accounts

Branch Merger

In June, we completed a merger with part of the Purley, Caterham and District Branch. This saw us take over the Croydon postcodes, which happened contemporaneously with a boundary change that saw the non-Croydon postcodes transferred to East Surrey Branch. This means that we are now in the happy position of having the whole of Croydon Borough under our control by bringing in areas such as Purley, Coulsdon, South Croydon, Sanderstead and Kenley.

The population that we serve now stands at over 450,000, an increase of c.43% and we are pleased to report that the merger has been very successful, with our existing branch manager, animal welfare officer (AWO) and Trustees now covering the expanded area.

By merging, we received incoming funds of £230,450 from the dissolving branch’s bank balances and investments, with additional legacy funds expected in the 2025 financial year. We will also be the recipient of the former branch’s share of national door-to-door donations for the next ten years.

We would again like to welcome the approximately 30 RSPCA members who also transferred across to us as part of this merger and would be delighted if you were able to get involved with our charity in any way. Please look at our website for more information about how you could help.

CIO

Many of the RSPCA branches around the country are transitioning to become Charitable Incorporate Associations (CIOs). We made the decision in 2024, that the South London Branch will leverage the support provided by RSPCA National and also transition to become a CIO, which we are aiming to complete during 2025. This will see us having a new registered charity number with all of the assets of the existing registered charity transferring across to our CIO charity.

Apart from that nothing will change with regard to your membership or any of the retail or animal welfare activities that we carry out.

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Re-Brand

In 2024, RSPCA National re-branded with new logos, colours and artworks. We were one of the branches to be selected to showcase this launch and were lucky enough to receive funding to re-brand all our charity shops with new external signs and

internal artwork. This has helped highlight our shops on their individual highstreets and create interest and conversation with our local supporters. It wasn’t just our shops given a make-

over, but also our branch van! Our AWO now drives a fully wrapped van with new RSPCA South London branding, helping to promote our branch and the work we do, even further.

New Shop

After over a year of planning, we opened a new shop in Tooting, a new area we took over after our merger with the ex Balham and Tooting branch in 2021.

The shop is on the main high street and officially welcomed our first customers in February 2024. The shop also provides a small office area at the back so we have been able to use it as our storage and working space for our online retail including eBay, and we’ve also been able

to hold community events there including cat microchipping days.

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Gift Aid

After the implementation of a new till system in our Crystal Palace shop in 2023, by mid 2024, we had all shops set up with Tengo and processing Gift Aid. Shop staff and volunteers adapted well to the technical and process changes and were set the target of achieving 20% of donations to be Gift Aided. With tentative starts around 6%, we were pleased to be ending the year at 19% with enthusiasm at all sites that we were on track to meet, and exceed target for 2025. With all shops operating at 20%, we would stand to raise an extra £10,000 for the Branch.

Fundraising Events

In the summer of 2024, we attended two new fundraising events. These helped to raise our profile in the local community, and raise funds for the branch. We had stalls at the Gipsy Hill fair and the Old Coulsdon Fair. We sold colouring sheets for the kids, held doggy lucky dips and sold raffle tickets, as well as provided advice about our services. Chairman Will also got involved judging the Dog Show at Gipsy Hill!

The Life & Times of Mr Bartholomew Bucket

In December we published our first ever book to try and raise funds for the Branch. It was written by our chairman, Will and expertly illustrated by Chris Michaels who is the partner of our AWO, Cheska.

We sold around 30 copies in the lead up to Christmas and plan to promote the book further in 2025.

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You can pick up your own copy by searching Amazon Bartholomew Bucket . This is how Amazon describe it:

A young man’s best friend is his bucket – at least it is if your bucket has subliminal magic powers like Mr Bartholomew Bucket has.

Mr Bucket was born in East London in 1969, shortly before Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. His arrival as the newest member of the large, downtrodden Tyler family was to change their lives forever.

Set in East London and on a farm in rural Suffolk as the sixties turn into the seventies, the Life & Times of Mr Bartholomew Bucket is a story of family bonds, hope, happiness and love.

Branch Microchipping

After our AWO received microchip training, and we now have a secure space in one of our shops, we started holding cat microchipping events. After cat microchipping became law in June 2024, we were able to hold two separate events open to the public, where they could get their cats microchipped for free. We suggested a donated amount to help us cover costs, but wanted to ensure that people could attend, and their cats get microchipped, even if they couldn’t afford anything.

Across the year we were able to microchip 37 cats at these events and took over £370 in donations. We were also able to talk to people about general cat health, advise them of low cost neutering schemes and how we could help going forward with any unexpected vet costs.

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School Talks

Our AWO made great connections with local schools, communities and the future generation of pet owners, by carrying out school talks. She was able to deliver messages of proper pet care, the animal welfare needs and how everyone can do their bit to support and protect local animals and the environment. Over 100 children have been reached and we now have ongoing positive

relationships with new parts of our local community. Please do get in touch if you are interested in arranging for us to visit your childrens’ school.

Animal Welfare Results

During 2024, the Branch took in 86 animals, all either for welfare reasons or via the Inspectorate. The Branch carried out 59 home visits and neutered 113 animals. The Branch microchipped 134 animals and provided welfare assistance for a further 5 animals.

The Branch continued its work supporting owners of XL Bullies, helping ensure compliance with new legislation by facilitating subsidised neutering through local vets.

We refined the way we prepare animals for rehoming by making greater use of the facilities at Finsbury Park Animal Centre, strengthening our partnership and improving outcomes for the animals in our care.

We began making use of specialist accommodation pods at the Canterbury Branch for more

complex or long-term cases. This initial collaboration has helped us build a strong and positive working relationship moving forward.

The Branch undertook a review of its intake routes in 2024 and has made preparations to increase the number of Inspectorate-referred animals it can support in 2025.

We also completed the trap-neuter-return (TNR) of three remaining cats in a longstanding colony in Thornton Heath, successfully concluding this targeted welfare project.

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Kitten Success Story Post Abandonment

In November, two four-month-old kittens were abandoned outside one of our charity shops in South London. The person who left them quickly disappeared, leaving them without any explanation or support. Fortunately, we had a fosterer on standby who was able to take them in straight away, giving them the care and stability they needed.

At first, Kiki and Casper, as the siblings were then called, were understandably a little unsure of their new surroundings. But within a few days, their personalities started to shine through. Once settled, they quickly became playful, curious, and affectionate.

While in our care, they were treated for fleas and worms, received their first vaccinations, and were microchipped. After some time with us, they were adopted into a loving

home, where they completed their vaccinations and were neutered. Now renamed Aspen and Ocean, they’ve settled in well, and their adopter has been enjoying getting to know them.

The latest photos show just how well they’re doing—whether exploring their new home or relaxing together, it’s clear they’ve made themselves comfortable.

Adapting Our Care To Each Individual Animal

In May we took in a semi feral cat called Rubic who had given birth in a member of the public’s garage. She was unable to stay there but with no chance of human interaction, we took her in to ensure the kittens could become socialised. One of our fabulous fosterers was able to take Rubic and the 2 week old kittens. She is an experienced fosterer who would be able to start handling the kittens in time, without distressing Rubic who was not comfortable around humans. Remaining with a fosterer for the duration of the kittens socialisation period meant that they could learn the

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wisdom from the mother while also building positive relationships with humans and homes. Luckily, Rubic was a brilliant mum and was patient with our fosterer while she slowly built the positive relationship with the kittens. The kittens, Frank, Ada and Arthur, developed into wonderful social cats who were all adopted; and we were able to find a semi-rural home for Rubic with land and outbuildings where she will be cared for, but able to live largely independently of humans.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.

Financial results and review

The charity's funds are collected from membership subscriptions, shop sales, rehoming, donations, legacies, recycling schemes, collection boxes, auctions, grants and fundraising events.

Total income for the year was £624,626 (2023: £364,278). Total expenditure for the year was £509,928 (2023: £409,474). The Branch ended the year with a surplus of £114,698 (2023: loss £45,196).

The three shops continue to provide the main source of operational income for the Branch. Net income from the retail operation was a loss of £50,347, including grants (2023: surplus £53,870).

Taking into account the income generated by the Branch, the trustees have been pleased to have been able to increase staff salaries in 2024.

We would also like to thank all those people and local businesses who contribute to the success of the Branch and support us with volunteer time, fundraising activities, financial discounts or advertising. There are too many to name individually but they include veterinary surgeries, Branch members, staff and volunteers and local press. Lastly we would like to thank the public for their ongoing support of the Branch, we could not succeed without them.

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Reserves policy

The reserves policy of the charity requires that the reserves should provide the charity with adequate financial stability and the means for it to meet its charitable objectives for the foreseeable future. The reserves policy was reviewed during the year and remains unchanged.

Specifically:

Free reserves are calculated as total reserves, less restricted and designated reserves, less tangible fixed assets.

At 31 December 2024, unrestricted reserves were £440,846 (2023: £305,764), of this amount £403,864 were classed as free reserves (2023: £273,520). Based on the approved operational budget for 2025 on a monthly average basis, free reserves equate to 12 months’ expenditure (2023: 6 months expenditure).

The trustees have looked at the current level of free reserves and feel they should be at a minimum level of 9 months’ operational expenditure.

The merger with Purley and Caterham Branch has had an overall positive impact on the reserve balance of the combined Branch and the Trustees have invested surplus reserves in interest bearing notice accounts.

Investments policy

The trustees have wide powers of investment governed and restricted by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Investment Act 1958. The trustees reviewed the investment policy in 2024 and decided to maintain the Branch surplus funds in higher interest notice accounts with Natwest.

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' 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 its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and

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expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and 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 2022, 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 members of the board of Trustees on and signed on their behalf by:

Catherine Young

(Trustee/Treasurer)

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RSPCA SOUTH LONDON

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF RSPCA SOUTH LONDON

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of RSPCA South London (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Timothy Buttifant ACA

TC Farnell Clarke Limited Evolution House, Iceni Court Delft Way Norwich Norfolk NR6 6BB

Dated: 30 June 2025

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RSPCA SOUTH LONDON

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
4
14,889
-
Charitable activities
5
372,351
-
Investments
6
6,960
-
Other income
7
230,426
-
Total income
624,626
-
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
8
297,390
-
Charitable activities
9
134,079
19,270
Other expenditure
11
58,075
1,114
Total expenditure
489,544
20,384
Net income/(expenditure) and
movement in funds
135,082
(20,384)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January
2024
305,764
26,186
Fund balances at 31
December 2024
440,846
5,802		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
14,889
-
-
372,351
362,106
-
6,960
2,172
-
230,426
-
-
624,626
364,278
-
297,390
239,352
-
153,349
150,478
17,632
59,189
1,803
209
509,928
391,633
17,841
114,698
(27,355)
(17,841)
331,950
333,119
44,027
446,648
305,764
26,186		 Total
2023
£
-
362,106
2,172
-
364,278
239,352
168,110
2,012
409,474
(45,196)
377,146
331,950

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

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RSPCA SOUTH LONDON

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
15
Current assets
Debtors
16
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
17
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Provision for other liabilities
18
Net assets
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
20
Unrestricted funds
21		 2024
£
92,624
336,920
429,544
(8,096)		 £
35,200
421,448
456,648
(10,000)
446,648
5,802
440,846
446,648		 2023
£
76,816
250,365
327,181
(27,475)		 £
32,244
299,706
331,950
-
331,950
26,186
305,764
331,950

The notes on pages 18 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 22 June 2025

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RSPCA SOUTH LONDON

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

RSPCA South London is constituted as an unincorporated association.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's [governing document], the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised once the donated items have been sold.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

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RSPCA SOUTH LONDON

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Leasehold improvements 20% straight line Plant and equipment 25% straight line Fixtures and fittings 33% straight line Computers 33% straight line Motor vehicles 33% reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

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RSPCA SOUTH LONDON

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the charity has a legal or constructive present obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that the charity will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the reporting end date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the amount expected to be required to settle the obligation is recognised at present value. When a provision is measured at present value, the unwinding of the discount is recognised as a finance cost in net income/(expenditure) in the period in which it arises.

1.11 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.12 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

20

RSPCA SOUTH LONDON

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Net movement in funds 2024 2023
£ £
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial
statements 3,650 3,480
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 14,842 11,608

4 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Legacies 3,739 -
Grants 11,150 -
14,889 -

5 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Income from donations 86,792 75,293
Sales of donated and purchased goods 284,773 286,813
Gift aid reclaimed 786 -
372,351 362,106

21

RSPCA SOUTH LONDON

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

6 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Bank deposit interest 6,960 2,172
Other income
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Transfer from closure of Purley Branch 230,426 -

7 Other income

During the year ended 31 December 2024, the Charity completed a branch merger with the Purley Branch in London. Following the decision of the Purley Branch Trustees to wind down operations, the Branch's assets were sold and the net proceeds, amounting to £230,426, were transferred to the Charity.

In return, the Charity has assumed ongoing responsibility for animal welfare activities in the Purley area.

8 Expenditure on raising funds

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Fundraising trading expenses
Branch insurance 4,385 5,820
Light, heat and power 6,758 5,083
Rent 85,872 79,992
Staff expenses 728 1,643
Rates 14,019 13,930
Staff costs 129,892 98,119
Depreciation and impairment 14,842 11,608
Subscriptions 349 127
Sundry expenses 4,605 3,975
Other shop costs 25,037 5,939
Telephone and fax 2,128 1,638
Legal and professional 2,254 3,693
Bank charges 3,334 2,473
Repairs and maintenance 3,187 5,312
Total costs 297,390 239,352

22

RSPCA SOUTH LONDON

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

8 Expenditure on raising funds

(Continued)

Expenditure on raising funds are classified as costs which relate to the day-to-day running of each charity shop.

9 Expenditure on charitable activities

Direct costs
Staff costs
Fostering costs and private boarding
Vet fees - general welfare
Branch contribution
Other charitable donations
Share of support and governance costs (see note 10)
Governance
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Support costs allocated to activities
Governance costs
Analysed between:
Animal welfare
Governance costs comprise:
Staff costs
Accountancy		 Animal
welfare
2024
£
48,437
28,113
50,292
-
-
126,842
26,507
153,349
134,079
19,270
153,349
2024
£
26,507
26,507
2024
£
17,030
9,477
26,507		 Animal
welfare
2023
£
43,164
36,178
52,704
551
10,000
142,597
25,513
168,110
150,478
17,632
168,110
2023
£
25,513
25,513
2023
£
14,072
11,441
25,513

10 Support costs allocated to activities

23

RSPCA SOUTH LONDON

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

11 Other expenditure

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
Vehicle costs
4,704
1,114
Branch closure costs
43,371
-
Dilapidation costs
10,000
-
58,075
1,114		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
5,818
1,803
209
43,371
-
-
10,000
-
-
59,189
1,803
209		 Total
2023
£
2,012
-
-
2,012

12 Trustees

There were no trustees' expenses paid during the year (2023 - £62.70 for meeting costs). No other remuneration or benefits were received by trustees (or any persons connected with them) during the year (2023 - none).

13 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2024
Number
12
2024
£
184,923
7,265
3,171
205,359		 2023
Number
9
2023
£
148,698
4,001
2,656
155,355

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

14 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

24

RSPCA SOUTH LONDON

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

15 Tangible fixed assets

Leasehold
improvements
Plant and
equipment
Fixtures and
fittings
Computers
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024
7,499
-
47,054
4,036
Additions
9,957
404
5,339
2,098
At 31 December 2024
17,456
404
52,393
6,134
Depreciation and
impairment
At 1 January 2024
125
-
45,116
692
Depreciation charged in the
year
3,469
95
2,798
2,016
At 31 December 2024
3,594
95
47,914
2,708
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
13,862
309
4,479
3,426
At 31 December 2023
7,374
-
1,938
3,344		 Motor
vehicles
£
32,293
-
32,293
12,705
6,464
19,169
13,124
19,588		 Total
£
90,882
17,798
108,680
58,638
14,842
73,480
35,200
32,244

16 Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2024
£
6,816
66,243
19,565
92,624		 2023
£
2,455
59,867
14,494
76,816

Included within other debtors is a VAT balance of £59,422, the relevant returns have been lodged with HMRC after the reporting date.

17 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Other taxation and social security
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2024
£
1,849
2,693
422
3,132
8,096		 2023
£
2,147
16,280
754
8,294
27,475

25

RSPCA SOUTH LONDON

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

18
Provisions for liabilities
Dilapidations on shop premises
Movements on provisions:
Additional provisions in the year		 2024
2023
£
£
10,000
-
Dilapidations
on shop
premises
£
10,000		 2023
£
-

At the year end, the Charity held three active lease agreements relating to shop premises. A provision for dilapidation costs has been recognised in the financial statements in accordance with the terms of the lease agreements.

The provision has been estimated by a Trustee with significant experience in commercial lease matters.

19 Retirement benefit schemes

Retirement benefit schemes
2024 2023
Defined contribution schemes £ £
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes 3,171 2,656

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

20 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 January Resources At 31
2024 expended December
2024
£ £ £
Balham and Tooting 26,186 (20,384) 5,802
Previous year: At 1 January Resources At 31
2023 expended December
2023
£ £ £
Balham and Tooting 44,027 (17,841) 26,186

26

RSPCA SOUTH LONDON

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

20 Restricted funds

(Continued)

Balham and Tooting - These funds were acquired from a previous branch merger, restrictions were placed on the funds for use on animal welfare and rehoming in the Balham and Tooting area only.

21 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1
General funds
Previous year:
At 1
General funds		 January
2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 31
December
2024
£
£
£
£
305,764
624,626
(489,544)
440,846
January
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 31
December
2023
£
£
£
£
333,119
364,278
(391,633)
305,764

22 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
At 31 December 2024:
Tangible assets
35,200
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
415,646
5,802
Provisions
(10,000)
-
440,846
5,802
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
At 31 December 2023:
Tangible assets
32,244
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
273,520
26,186
305,764
26,186		 Total
2024
£
35,200
421,448
(10,000)
446,648
Total
2023
£
32,244
299,706
331,950

27

RSPCA SOUTH LONDON

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

23 Operating lease commitments

Lessee

At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year
Between two and five years		 2024
£
74,500
89,480
163,980		 2023
£
84,500
247,038
331,538

24 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).

28