16 June 2026

SDLP Opposition Economy Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin MLA has called on the Economy Minister to support her Regional Balance Bill and work to ensure that tackling regional inequality becomes a responsibility shared across the Executive.

Speaking after questioning the Minister in the Assembly, Ms McLaughlin said that while regional balance has been a stated objective of successive administrations, there has been a failure to put in place the legislative framework needed to deliver meaningful change.

Ms McLaughlin said:

"Despite regional balance being a stated objective of the Executive, no legislation has been brought forward by the Department for the Economy during this mandate to address the issue. My Regional Balance Bill recently passed First Stage in the Assembly and would place a duty on government to ensure that regional balance is not simply something Ministers talk about, but something departments actively work towards and report on.

"I am calling on the Economy Minister to support this legislation as it progresses through the Assembly and to work with me to ensure that regional balance is embedded across government. However, regional balance cannot be delivered by the Department for the Economy alone. Decisions taken by every department, from infrastructure and skills to housing and public services, have a direct impact on economic outcomes in our communities.

"My Bill recognises that reality. It seeks to embed regional balance across government and ensure that departments can demonstrate how they are contributing to tackling regional disparities. I have repeatedly heard Ministers acknowledge the importance of regional balance, the question now is whether they are prepared to back that principle with action."