The requirement for the self assessment is set out in the HCAs new accounting direction which applies for accounting periods starting on or after 1 April 2012. The obligation from the value for money (VFM) standard applies to Housing Associations, though many ALMOs are trying to keep up with HA practices.
For most landlords this will mean inclusion in the accounts for 12/13. As a regulator the HCA require Housing Association Landlords to submit accounts 6 months after the year end so. Therefore they expect the majority of self assessments to be with the HCA by 30 September 2013.
There is an obligation through the regulatory framework to consult tenants & stakeholders on prop0sals and plans, as part of the self assessment which will need to be signed off by Board in September 2013 for most organsiations. tenants are also expected to comment on the plans for expendiature of cashable savings, which do not necessarily need to be spent in year.
So ….unless landlords want to consult tenants during their summer holidays when they may not be avaiable to you, this might be something landlords need to plan as well as capacity build for this VFM conversation.
SEP offers a one days course o this for involved tenants, so by all means contact us if we can help you on hello@tenantadvisor.net