REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: SC350506 (Scotland)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: SC001583

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND

AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST JULY 2024

FOR

BORDERS ANIMAL WELFARE ASSOCIATION

Page

Reference and Administrative Details

1

Trustees' Report

2

to

9

Report of the Independent Auditors

10

to

13

Statement of Financial Activities

14

Statement of Financial Position

15

Statement of Cash Flows

16

Notes to the Statement of Cash Flows

17

Notes to the Financial Statements

18

to

27

TRUSTEES

Dr A Southwood (Chair)

Mrs S Cuthbertson (Treasurer)

Mrs M Docherty

Ms G Lockie

Ms G Donnan (resigned 16.9.24)

Ms K Adams

Ms L Colquhoun (resigned 26.10.23)

Ms G Mudie (Secretary) (resigned 17.5.24)

Mrs A S Miller (appointed 21.2.24)

COMPANY SECRETARY

Ms L Edgar

REGISTERED OFFICE

Craigsford

Earlston

TD4 6DJ

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER

SC350506 (Scotland)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER

SC001583

AUDITORS

JRW Hogg & Thorburn LLP

Chartered Accountants &

Statutory Auditor

19 Buccleuch Street

Hawick

Roxburghshire

TD9 0HL

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st July 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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).

Our Vision

All animals within the Borders and the surrounding area should enjoy a healthy life in an appropriate, safe and happy environment free from all forms of mistreatment and neglect.

Our Mission

- To rehabilitate animals in distress or need

- To find suitable, loving homes for animals in need

- To promote responsible pet ownership through education and training.

Our Values

- Kindness and Compassion to all animals

- Respect and Concern for the individual needs of all animals coming into and leaving our care

- Honesty and Integrity in all our working relationships with staff, volunteers, supporters and suppliers

- Accountability to our funders, members, friends and colleagues.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

The objectives of the charitable company are defined within the Charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association. They include the taking in, caring for, and rehoming of stray and unwanted domestic animals in the Borders.

The association also helps to:

- Promote responsible ownership of domestic animals

- Encourage neutering of all animals not intended for breeding

- Give general help and advice concerning animals and their welfare.

STRATEGIC REPORT

Achievement and performance

Charitable activities

During financial year 2023-24 the charity achieved the following:

- Continued to provide a high level of care to animals admitted to the Centre or placed with home foster carers, including several cases requiring intensive or long-stay care. This included compliance with the Association of Dogs & Cats Homes (ADCH) standards.

- The following table summarises animal activity for the period 1 August 2023-31 July 2024. The table indicates an 8% increase in the number of animals rehomed compared to the previous year:

CATS & KITTENS

DOGS & PUPPIES

SMALL FURRIES

HHOGS

EXOTICS

TOTAL

START OF YEAR

18

2

0

3

1

24

Admitted

116

21

0

21

0

158

Born in Care

11

0

0

0

0

11

TNR

12

0

0

0

0

12

(A) TOTAL IN CARE

157

23

0

24

1

205

(2022 - 2023)

(146

)

(15

)

0

(20

)

(4

)

(185

)

Rehomed

128

21

0

0

0

149

Reclaimed

3

1

0

0

0

4

Released to Wild

12

0

0

9

0

21

Died/PTS

0

1

0

11

0

12

(B) TOTAL CLOSED

143

23

0

20

0

186

(2022 -2023)

(136

)

(13

)

0

(17

)

(3

)

(169

)

Balance (A-B)

14

0

0

4

1

19

Returned cases

10

4

0

0

0

14

END OF YEAR

24

4

0

4

1

33

(2022-2023)

(18

)

(2

)

0

(3

)

(1

)

(24

)

- The Strategic Plan for the period 2021-24 has underpinned all that we have done during 2023-24. The year has been challenging for the charity as well as a time of change and growth. This year, we have achieved an operating surplus of £36,817, which includes legacies, donations and grants received by the charity. Cash reserves have increased from £527,280 last year to £599,402 in 2024, an increase of £72,122.

- The post Covid world continued to impact on our Retail and Centre services as a consequence of significantly increased facilities and utilities costs; recruitment challenges; and a reduction in volunteer numbers. This in turn necessitated the need to review and adapt our operations.

- Our new kennel facility was formally opened by Christine Grahame MSP, Convenor of the Scottish Parliament Cross-Party Group on Animal Welfare, on 4 November 2023. The opening formed part of an extremely successful and well attended Rescue Centre Open Day and Coffee Morning held at Earlston Rugby Club.

- Plans for a Centre upgrade and development of remaining facilities and buildings at Craigsford are being progressed via the appointment of Baxter Studio Architects & Thomson Gray Quantity Surveyors.

- A pay award of 5% was made in April 2024. This award reflected the Trustees commitment to work towards becoming a Real Living Wage employer as well as taking into consideration the current cost of living crisis.

- Strengthening staff teams and communication has been a priority throughout 2023-24 involving:

i) A Staff Development Day held on 22 May 2024, attended by all staff teams, volunteers and Trustee representatives.

ii) A staff, volunteer and Trustee social event was held on 7 December 2023. The event was attended by 42 people and funded by the charity as a thank-you gesture to all involved.

iii) The monthly Team Brief for staff and volunteers continued to help strengthen communication and keep everyone up to date with the work and life of the charity.

iv) Recruitment of staff has proved challenging over recent months due to the changing UK employment market. We are, however, pleased to confirm that a new Rescue Centre Manager has been appointed and commences employment with the charity in September 2024.

v) A new website was launched in March 2024. The content and brand elements were updated and refreshed with a new online booking system now available for Brambles Field, along with increased opportunities to donate online and strengthen recruitment processes.

- Almost 50 volunteers continued to provide vital support for our 4 shops and Rescue Centre. Numbers have been steadily increasing since the pandemic.

- Retail operations have been reviewed and have included:

i) The appointment of new Shop Managers and Assistant Managers for the Galashiels and Kelso Shops.

ii) For some considerable time, our Duns shop and storage premises have not been fit for purpose due to split location, limited space and lack of staff facilities. Despite concentrated efforts to secure new premises, nothing suitable was available and we had to close the shop for staff welfare reasons wef 31 July 2024. Options for continuing a presence in Duns continue to be considered whilst retaining the Platform 1 storage facility in the short-term. A 'man with a van option' was used for several months but overhead costs resulted in a significant reduction in income which meant that the shop was no longer tenable.

iii) Larger and more suitable retail premises have been secured for our Kelso Shop with relocation scheduled for October 2024.

iv) On-line retail options were explored, and a decision was taken to delay introduction of this until 2025-26.

v) Considerable preparatory work has been carried out to identify an appropriate Retail Gift Aid package. The Cybertill EPOS system will be introduced wef September 2024.

vi) Our Galashiels Team won the Galashiels 2024 Heartlands Best Community Group Award.

- The lease for office accommodation for the Charity Manager and administrative support at Borders Machinery Ring Ltd, Earlston has been extended. This arrangement will continue until such time as suitable accommodation becomes available at the Centre.

- We retained 5 Trustees as well as recruiting 2 new Trustees, enabling continuity of governance and leadership. Lorraine Edgar was appointed Secretary to Board wef 17 May 2024. Trustee subgroups for Staffing, Fundraising, Animal Welfare, Estates and Volunteering have continued to assist with the implementation of the Strategic Plan.

- Essential support services were provided by professional external services:

Eco Safety Ltd for essential health and safety consultancy

Focus Group (was GB Technology Ltd) who provided an IT support service for all sites

H Baker for Bookkeeping services

Dalhousie Associates Ltd for the provision of HR advice

JRW Hogg & Thorburn Chartered Accountants.

Fundraising activities

The main source of regular fund raising was through the charity shops, which collectively achieved income of £324,515 (2023 - £326,030), whilst incurring costs of £289,391 (2023 - £189,736). Whilst income continues to grow with the success of the shops and an increase in legacies received, costs this year have increased considerably due to several reasons, including preparatory work required for the new Kelso shop, higher utility and staff costs, and a man with a van contract to support staff processing donations between the two Duns sites. This is a significant achievement by our shop teams who have worked so hard to respond during a time of severe economic crisis, which in turn has increased demand for pre-loved items. Income and expenditure for all shops are detailed below:

2024

Duns

Galashiels

Hawick

Kelso

Total

£

£

£

£

£

Income

55,065

149,251

51,236

68,963

324,515

Expenses

54,345

105,806

48,103

81,137

289,391

Surplus

720

43,445

3,133

(12,174

)

35,124

2023

Duns

Galashiels

Hawick

Kelso

Total

£

£

£

£

£

Income

66,266

157,449

42,838

59,477

326,030

Expenses

41,488

71,145

34,419

42,684

189,736

Surplus

24,778

86,304

8,419

16,793

136,294

A full programme of fund-raising events was delivered during 2023-24, marking a return to pre- pandemic levels of activity.

Other fundraising income for the year generated income of £7,786 (2023 £6,440). Costs incurred to generate this income were £3,061 (2023 £486).

Financial review

Principal funding sources

The charity's results show a surplus of income over expenditure before transfers for the year of £36,817 (2023 surplus £2,464) after taking into account depreciation of £20,069 (2023 - £20,065).

The general fund shows a surplus of £49,748 (2023 - deficit £4,604) after depreciation of £7,138 (2023 - £7,133). The deficit on restricted funds of £12,931 (2023 - surplus £7,068) is after depreciation of £12,931 on capitalised expenditure.

The financial statements show total income for the year ended 31st July 2024 of £638,715 (2023 - £451,122).

The principal funding sources were as follows:

2024

2023

£

£

Rehoming animals

13,610

10,880

Fundraising - shop

324,515

326,030

Fundraising - other

7,786

6,440

Legacies

212,159

4,867

Donations

66,197

55,992

Grants - general

10,000

26,000

Grants - restricted

-

20,000

Government grants

-

-

Bank interest

4,448

913

638,715

451,122

The main costs incurred by the Rescue Centre were wages, veterinary expenses, van running costs, utility costs and, more recently, depreciation due to the kennel completion. These costs support the key objective of delivering care to animals taken into the Centre or placed with fosterers.

Reserves policy

The Board considers that a general fund balance of the equivalent of 18 months operational expenditure would provide an adequate reserve to ensure continuation of the charitable company.

At 31st July 2024, total reserves amounted to £1,292,189 of which £835,196 relates to unrestricted funds. Total free reserves at 31st July 2024 were £617,187.

The Board acknowledges that the general fund balance at the end of 2023/24 exceeds this requirement due to past and continuing generosity of donors. The Board is most appreciative of this support, which ensures that the needs of the animals in care can be met, even when the cost of rehabilitation in extreme cases can be financially challenging.

Future plans

The 2021-24 Strategic Plan has been reviewed and a new plan developed for 2024-27. Priorities for the charity include:

- Continue to provide a high-quality animal welfare service, whilst progressing a phased approach for the enhancement of the Rescue Centre. Plans to support this objective include the development of a new "Community Access Point" to include reception and training areas; staff facilities; a small furries centre, as well as the development of Brambles Field.

- Robust planning to engage with our volunteers and recruit new volunteers to support our Centre and 3 charity shops.

- The development and delivery of a retail strategy to help maximise income, including proposals for online services and the establishment of an online shop offering; and the extension of shop trading hours;

- Strengthening fundraising activities, including the development of a fundraising strategy. Activities for 2024-25 include the introduction of EPOS Gift Aid and an increase in grant applications seeking funding support for key estates projects and community-based outreach activities.

Significant challenges include:

- The logistics of providing a Rescue Centre and retail service during an economic crisis.

- Attracting new volunteers to help run our charity shops.

- Attracting new Trustees with specific skill sets.

- Attracting appropriately qualified and experienced staff.

- Ensuring that our current portfolio of shops remains viable against changing social and retail conditions.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, its memorandum and articles of association, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

Recruitment and appointment of new Trustees

Trustees are elected to the committee at the Annual General Meeting by the members and hold office for a period of three years. They shall then be eligible for re-election. The committee has the power to appoint new Trustees as vacancies arise during the year. Trustees are recruited by a variety of methods including via the Borders Pet Rescue website, social media, word of mouth and the SCVO Goodmoves website.

Induction and training of new Trustees

Induction and training of Trustees is informal and takes place at committee meetings and via online training. Hands-on training takes place in the Rescue Centre and is delivered by either the staff of the charity or existing Board members.

Key management remuneration

The Trustees do not receive any remuneration, nor are they re-imbursed for any expenses for attending the regular charity management committee meetings.

For key members of staff, the Trustees base remuneration on similar roles throughout Scotland.

Organisational structure

The charity is a private company limited by guarantee. The officers of the company are those required by the Companies Act and comprise directors (Trustees) and a company secretary. The Shops and Centre are under the supervision of a Charity Manager supported by a team of staff. In addition, a significant number of volunteers contribute to the work of the charity.

Decision making

Strategic decisions are proposed by the committee, and taken to the members at the Annual General Meeting.

Risk management

The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

Major risks facing the charity have been reviewed and identified as follows:

1. Insufficient funding

2. Disease outbreak

3. Exposure to wild or dangerous animals

4. Recruitment of appropriately qualified and experienced staff

5. Severe winter weather

Systems and procedures have been developed and continue to be updated to manage these risks.

Acknowledgements

The Trustees wish to express their gratitude for the dedicated efforts of our staff, supporters, fund raisers, patrons and, in particular, the volunteers who give so generously of their time at both the Centre and shops. Without everyone's support it would not be possible to continually improve the care for our temporary residents and carry on our good work.

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

The trustees (who are also the directors of Borders Animal Welfare Association for the purposes of company law) 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).

Company law 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 charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to

-	select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

-	observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;

-	make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

-	state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

-	prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

In so far as the trustees are aware:

-	there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware; and

-	the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.

Trustees' report, incorporating a strategic report, approved by order of the board of trustees, as the company directors, on 23rd October 2024 and signed on the board's behalf by:

Dr A Southwood - Trustee

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Borders Animal Welfare Association (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31st July 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Statement of Financial Position, the Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

-	give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31st July 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;

-	have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

-	have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and Regulation 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company 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 charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

-	the information given in the Trustees' Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

-	the Trustees' Report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees' Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

-	adequate and proper accounting records have not been kept or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

-	the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

-	certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or

-	we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they 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 charitable company'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 charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Our 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 a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities

Enquiring with management and trustees, including obtaining and reviewing supporting documentation, concerning the charities policies and procedures relating to:

- Identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances on non compliance;

- Detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have any knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud; and

- The internal controls established to mitigate risks related to fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations;

Discussing with the engagement team how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud.

Obtaining an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the charity operates in, focusing on those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the financial statements. These areas were identified through enquiries with trustees, management and our knowledge and understanding of the charity accumulated throughout the audit and our sector-specific experience.

Audit responses to risks identified

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud being accounting for donations and fundraising through charity shops.

In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to the risks identified included the following:

- Reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing and supporting documentation to assess compliance with relevant laws and regulations identified as having a direct effect on the financial statements;

- Performing analytical procedures to identify and unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate the risk of material misstatement due to fraud;

- Testing of donation and fundraising income receivable and ensuring these were received;

- Reading minutes of trustee meetings;

- Reading the charity's risk register;

- In addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments.

We also communicated relevant laws and regulations identified as potential fraud risks to all the engagement team members and remained vigilant to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.

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.

Other matters

The comparative financial statements are unaudited.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006, and to the charitable company's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Regulation 10 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members and the trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Vivien Hogg BA CA (Senior Statutory Auditor)

for and on behalf of JRW Hogg & Thorburn LLP

Chartered Accountants &

Statutory Auditor

Eligible to act as an auditor in terms of Section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006

19 Buccleuch Street

Hawick

Roxburghshire

TD9 0HL

19th November 2024

2024

2023

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

fund

funds

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

2

288,356

-

288,356

106,859

Charitable activities

5

Animal welfare

13,610

-

13,610

10,880

Other trading activities

3

332,301

-

332,301

332,469

Investment income

4

4,448

-

4,448

913

Total

638,715

-

638,715

451,121

EXPENDITURE ON

Raising funds

6

292,452

-

292,452

190,222

Charitable activities

7

Animal welfare

296,515

12,931

309,446

258,435

Total

588,967

12,931

601,898

448,657

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

49,748

(12,931

)

36,817

2,464

Transfers between funds

18

(7,186

)

7,186

-

-

Net movement in funds

42,562

(5,745

)

36,817

2,464

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

792,634

462,738

1,255,372

1,252,908

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

835,196

456,993

1,292,189

1,255,372

2024

2023

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

fund

funds

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible assets

14

218,009

456,993

675,002

671,789

CURRENT ASSETS

Debtors

15

66,453

-

66,453

73,297

Cash at bank and in hand

599,402

-

599,402

527,280

665,855

-

665,855

600,577

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year

16

(48,668

)

-

(48,668

)

(16,994

)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

617,187

-

617,187

583,583

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

835,196

456,993

1,292,189

1,255,372

NET ASSETS

835,196

456,993

1,292,189

1,255,372

FUNDS

18

Unrestricted funds

835,196

792,634

Restricted funds

456,993

462,738

TOTAL FUNDS

1,292,189

1,255,372

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 23rd October 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:

S Cuthbertson - Trustee

A Southwood - Trustee

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash generated from operations

1

90,955

(97,308

)

Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities

90,955

(97,308

)

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of tangible fixed assets

(23,281

)

(91,986

)

Interest received

4,448

913

Net cash used in investing activities

(18,833

)

(91,073

)

Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period

72,122

(188,381

)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period

527,280

715,661

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period

599,402

527,280

1.	RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

2024

2023

£

£

Net income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial Activities)

36,817

2,464

Adjustments for:

Depreciation charges

20,068

20,065

Interest received

(4,448

)

(913

)

Decrease/(increase) in debtors

6,845

(60,817

)

Increase/(decrease) in creditors

31,673

(58,107

)

Net cash provided by/(used in) operations

90,955

(97,308

)

2.	ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

At 1.8.23

Cash flow

At 31.7.24

£

£

£

Net cash

Cash at bank and in hand

527,280

72,122

599,402

527,280

72,122

599,402

Total

527,280

72,122

599,402

1.	ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Going concern

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern nor any significant areas of uncertainty that affect the carrying value of assets held by the charity.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the trust 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 at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the trust has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected.

Donated goods

Because it is impractical to measure the fair value of goods donated for resale, the income from donated goods is recognized when they are sold. These are disclosed under other trading activities.

Assets for distribution are recognised only when distributed. Assets given for use by the trust are recognised when receivable. Stocks of undistributed donated goods are not valued for balance sheet purposes.

Volunteer services

It is impractical for volunteers contributions to be measured reliably for accounting purposes and is therefore not included as income or expenditure in the financial statements.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Freehold property

-

20% on cost

Equipment

-

25% on reducing balance

Motor vehicles

-

25% on reducing balance

Computer equipment

-

33% on cost

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

2.	DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

2024

2023

£

£

Donations

66,197

55,992

Legacies

212,159

4,867

Grants

10,000

46,000

288,356

106,859