Regional Balance Bill

Synopsis: This Paper aims to support Northern Ireland Assembly scrutiny of the Regional Balance Bill, as introduced by a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) on 8 June 2026. It provides context-setting information, before addressing key policy considerations arising from the introduced Bill. Throughout, potential scrutiny points are highlighted for Assembly reference, including that of the Committee for the Economy. The Paper should be read alongside RaISe Briefing Paper NIAR 137-2026 (dated 16 October 2026), wherein the Bill’s key potential “public purse” considerations are addressed.

Date: 16 October 2026