Committee for the Economy

Regional Balance Bill

The Regional Balance Bill was introduced to the Assembly on Monday 8 June 2026. The Bill successfully completed its Second Stage on Tuesday 8 September 2026.

The Bill seeks to improve regional economic balance across Northern Ireland.  The Bill seeks to do so by imposing a duty on the Executive to develop and implement a framework setting out how disparities in regional economic performance and living standards are to be addressed and to review the effectiveness of the framework. 

Further information on the Bill can be found by following the links below:

• Read the Bill as introduced
• Read the Bill's Explanatory and Financial Memorandum

Ordinarily the Committee would await the successful passage of the Bill at Second Stage prior to launching a call for evidence.  However, owing to the constrained timescales and a heavy legislative scrutiny agenda, the Committee for the Economy agreed to undertake the unusual step of launching its call for evidence on the Bill early and prior to Second Stage.

The Committee’s decision in this regard should not be interpreted as either endorsement or opposition to the Regional Balance Bill. 

Call for Evidence

The Committee sought views from stakeholders on the objectives, proposals and potential consequences of the Bill and welcomed your views and comments on its contents.

The Committee launched its call for evidence, inviting you to have your say on the Bill's contents on 24 June 2026 and the survey closed on 22 September 2026.

Your views will help to inform a possible Committee Stage of the Bill and with the development of any necessary amendments. 

Useful Information

• View the current progress of the Bill and all related information
• Guide to submitting evidence to Assembly Committees in written or other formats
• Understanding a Bill: a guide for stakeholders
• Assembly Committees Privacy Notice

Quick Links

• Minutes of Proceedings relating to the Bill
• Minutes of Evidence (Official Report)
• Departmental Papers and Correspondence
• Other Papers
• Written Submissions

Contact us

If you have any queries or require any further information about the call for evidence or the Committee Stage of the Bill, please contact the Committee Clerk:

Peter McCallion

Room 349, Parliament Buildings,
Ballymiscaw,Stormont,
Belfast, BT4 3XX

Tel: (028) 905 21821
Email: Committee.Economy@niassembly.gov.uk