Committee for the Economy
Regional Balance Bill
The Regional Balance Bill was introduced to the Assembly on Monday 8 June 2026. The Second Stage of the Bill is expected to follow in 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:
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 has agreed to undertake the unusual step of launching its call for evidence on the Bill now 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 is seeking views from stakeholders on the objectives, proposals and potential consequences of the Bill and would welcome your views and comments on its contents.
How to submit your views
The Committee has now launched its call for evidence, inviting you to have your say on the Bill's contents.
The consultation takes the form of an online survey, hosted on our Citizen Space website.
Your views will help to inform a possible Committee Stage of the Bill and to help with the development of any necessary amendments, the Committee is seeking views on the objectives, proposals and potential consequences of the Bill.
Please find a link to the Regional Balance Bill survey below:
Alternatively the Committee would welcome a related written response in the format of a Microsoft Word document addressing any of the clauses of the Bill before noon on 22 September 2026 submitted to Committee.Economy@niassembly.gov.uk.
The closing date for the call for evidence is 22 September 2026.
If you have any questions or would like to request a different format for submitting your views, please get in touch using the contact details below.
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
