The Impact of the Autumn Budget on a Small Charity

Leading elderly horse welfare charity, Remus Horse Sanctuary, is planning numerous fundraising events leading up to Christmas, with something for everyone to enjoy.

However, commenting on the recent Budget announcements, Founder Sue Burton said: “We are massively concerned about the impact of the Labour budget. Already things were tough, and we are barely keeping our heads above water. Everyone’s costs are going up therefore we are seeing the knock-on effect in that our costs are rising also, and our donations dropping as people cope with less money in their pockets.

“With yet another increase in minimum pay and a hefty hike in National Insurance we are at our wits’ end as to how we will raise the money to cover this when our income is spiralling downwards. We can’t pass any costs on as we are not a business.”

The charity receives no government funding and relies solely on its own fundraising efforts. In light of the above and as the weather closes in, Sue Burton and her small team would very much appreciate your support at their future fundraising events:

Christmas Sales

Come and join us at Stock Village Hall on Sunday 10 November from 11am to 2pm, or at the Billericay Reading Rooms on Saturday 16 November from 9am to 4pm, where you’ll find lots of good saleable items, including homemade cakes and preserves, china, jewellery, books and bric-a-brac, all at bargain prices! Plus of course you can shop for Christmas Cards, Christmas Puddings and Christmas Gifts, including our new 2025 Wall Calendar.

Curry Lunches

Bring your family and friends along to the popular Nirvana Restaurant, 72 High Street, Ingatestone, Essex CM4 9DW for a delightful lunch with the team from Remus on Sunday 24 November and/or Sunday 22 December, at 2pm. £20 per person, non-refundable. Includes poppadoms and dip, main course, side dish, rice and bread. Booking is essential. Telephone 01277 356191.

Wreath Making Workshop

Create your own bespoke wreath this Christmas and make your neighbours green with envy at our first ever Wreath Making Workshop on Thursday 5 December with award-winning florist, Emma from Blooming Occasions. The workshop will take place at the Reading Rooms, 73 High Street, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9AS at either 10am or 1.30pm. Book online at: www.remussanctuary.org/events/wreath-making-workshop to secure your place.

“The Chancellor has not considered the impact on small charities that are running on a small income. We have over 150 animals here, all of which have been rescued and all of which still need food, bedding, care and vets’ appointments which we can’t take away from them. Due to the economic situation, we are finding many more welfare cases and these all need dealing with as well.

Sue concluded: “More work. More costs and less money in – it just doesn’t add up.”

Remus Horse Sanctuary would very much appreciate your support at one of their fundraising events. Alternatively, a donation can be made online at: remussanctuary.enthuse.com/donate#!.