Gateway Housing predominantly operate in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets but they have a small stock holding in Hackney and Newham. The majority of their 2800 homes is social rent. According to Gateway Housing they are uniquely the largest provider of sheltered housing and care within Tower Hamlets. Gateway Housing were the first registered provider of older persons shared ownership in the borough, they also have two registered care homes for older persons and have the third largest stock-holding of social housing within the borough. Gateway Housing are particularly proud of their new build properties for leasehold, shared ownership and direct sale which is low density and high quality. Gateway Housing have many attributes meeting our social purpose and vision of ‘supporting our communities to thrive.' This includes the investment we make each year into community projects for their resident groups and young people through the Community Chest grant fund and Environmental Improvements Grant. Their dedicated Resident Involvement Team who are (according to Gateway Housing) leading the way in resident scrutiny. Their digital training suite ‘The Zone’ opened in 2014, is helping the team to successfully deliver their STEP (Support to Employment Programme) for local people, as well as being a focus for the provision of financial inclusion support to their residents impacted by Welfare Reform through their in house Welfare Advisor and partnership agencies. Gateway Housing also offer homes for market sale and shared ownership.
RSH Narrative Regulatory Judgement
Provider: Gateway Housing Association Limited
Regulatory code: L0517
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Governance grade: G1
Viability grade: V2
Reason for publication: Viability regrade
Regulatory route: Stability Check and Reactive Engagement
Regulatory judgement
This judgement regrades our previous published judgement of Gateway Housing Association Limited’s viability grade from V1 to V2 and confirms its existing G1 grade for governance.
The regulator has assurance that Gateway Housing Association Limited (Gateway) is compliant with the financial viability elements of the Governance and Viability Standard and that its financial plans are consistent with, and support, its financial strategy. Gateway has an adequately funded business plan, sufficient security, and is forecast to continue to meet its financial covenants.
Gateway is increasing planned investment in its existing homes, including on fire safety. This has a detrimental impact on interest cover. Gateway is also anticipating that further spending on energy efficiency works may be required in its next financial plan. When coupled with the current economic uncertainty in relation to inflation and interest rates, these factors reduce Gateway’s capacity to deal with adverse scenarios.
The regulator’s assessment of Gateway’s compliance with the governance elements of the Governance and Financial Viability Standard remains unchanged. On the basis of the Stability Check, the regulator has concluded that there is no evidence to indicate a change to Gateway’s current governance grading.
An IDA is programmed to take place from January to March 2023.
Housing Ombudsman
Gateway Housing Association Limited (202000681)
The resident complains about: the landlord's administration of the service charge for communal lighting, and; its response to her requests for information about the electricity meters.
Gateway Housing Association Limited (202117769)
The complaint is about: The level of compensation offered by the landlord for its handling of a water leak into the resident’s property. The landlord’s record keeping and complaint handling.
Gateway Housing Association Limited (202114470)
The complaint is about: The landlord’s administration of the resident’s service charge. The landlord’s complaints handling.