Number of homes: Around 2,800
CEO: Kate Franklin
Website: www.gatewayhousing.org.uk
Areas of operation: Tower Hamlets (majority), Hackney, Newham
About
Gateway Housing is a community-based housing association operating primarily in Tower Hamlets, with smaller holdings in Hackney and Newham. It manages around 2,800 homes, mostly for social rent, and is the largest provider of sheltered housing and care within Tower Hamlets. The organisation also delivers shared ownership, leasehold, and market sale homes.
Gateway highlights its role in older people’s housing, including two registered care homes, and its community support programmes such as the Community Chest and Environmental Improvements funds. It also runs “The Zone,” a digital training suite that supports financial inclusion and employment services for residents.
Performance & Accountability
Gateway Housing is regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing (code L0517). In November 2022, governance was confirmed at G1 but viability was downgraded from V1 to V2. The downgrade reflected reduced financial capacity due to increased investment in fire safety and anticipated future spending on energy efficiency. While Gateway has a funded business plan and sufficient security, higher costs and economic uncertainty around inflation and interest rates reduce its resilience.
Strategic Direction
Gateway is investing in fire safety and considering further commitments to energy efficiency improvements. Alongside managing existing stock, the organisation continues to provide new-build properties, including shared ownership and leasehold homes. Its strategy also emphasises community development and resident involvement, including employment support programmes and financial advice services.
Resident Experience
Gateway promotes a strong resident involvement culture, with a dedicated scrutiny team and support for local projects. Residents benefit from community grant schemes and welfare advice. However, like other providers, residents have raised concerns in Ombudsman cases around repairs, communication, and service delivery, highlighting the pressures of balancing investment, development, and support services.
At a glance
Homes: Around 2,800, mainly in Tower Hamlets
Governance/Viability: G1/V2 – governance strong, viability under pressure
Focus: Social rent, sheltered housing, care homes, community support
Key identity points: Largest sheltered housing provider in Tower Hamlets, strong resident involvement, significant community investment programmes