The sub-regional affordable housing programme is overseen by the Greater Haven Gateway Steering Group (GHGSG) which in addition to the 6 Haven Gateway local authorities also includes Braintree and Maldon District Councils (both in Essex). The Homes and Communities Agency, Essex and Suffolk Supporting People, Registered Social Landlords, Go-East and the Rural Housing Enablers also have a place on the group.

The Greater Haven Gateway recognises the importance of working closely with the Haven Gateway Partnership to provide a single conversation on behalf of the sub-region.

The direction of the GHGSG is informed by the sub regional Housing Strategy which was agreed in 2004.  This is currently being reviewed and a new strategy is due to be published in September 2010.

Their vision is : to ensure everyone can live in a decent home which meets their needs, at a price they can afford, and in locations that are sustainable. 

Key areas of focus include:

• building up an evidence base of housing need in the sub-region including strategic housing market assessments,
• working together to expand housing choice by developing a 'choice based lettings' scheme, 
•  sharing best practise to secure developer contributions for affordable housing
• working together to maximise resources available from the Homes and Communities Agency

Every quarter the Housing Group produce a quarterly newsletter - Haven Headlines.  The latest edition of this can be downloaded here.

The GHGSG meets bi-monthly and revolves the chairing duties annually. Currently, the group is chaired by Paul Gayler from Maldon District Council.