Review of Costs: Regional Balance Bill

Synopsis: Seeking to support Northern Ireland Assembly scrutiny, this Review of Costs addresses key potential “public purse” implications arising from the Regional Balance Bill, if enacted and implemented as introduced. The Bill seeks to establish a statutory framework requiring the Northern Ireland Executive to develop, implement and maintain a Regional Balance Strategic Framework aiming to reduce regional economic disparities and inequalities in living standards across Northern Ireland. The Paper should be read alongside RaISe Bill Paper NIAR 143-2026 (dated 16 October 2026), which addresses policy considerations arising from the Bill.

Date: 16 October 2026