McLaughlin introduces bill to address regional economy disparities in the North
A Bill to establish a Regional Balance Strategic Framework (RBSF) aimed at addressing economic disparities between different regions in the North has been introduced to the Assembly by Sinéad McLaughlin.
SDLP Opposition Economy Spokesperson described the introduction of her Regional Balance Bill as ‘a significant milestone in the campaign to tackle regional inequality and rebalance Northern Ireland’s economy’.
The Bill would place a legal duty on the Executive to set up a RBSF and require all Executive Departments to have due regard to that Framework when developing policies, strategies and public services.
The Foyle MLA said: “I'm very pleased to introduce the Regional Balance Bill to the Assembly today as it takes its first step to becoming law. I believe this legislation offers the Assembly a historic opportunity to rebalance our economy once and for all.
"For too long, regional balance has been an afterthought across government. As a result, communities across Northern Ireland, particularly places like Derry, have lost out. Despite repeated promises to spread opportunity more fairly, they have been left behind by successive governments.
“This Bill is about changing that. It will place regional balance at the heart of government decision-making across departments and create annual accountability for the first time.”
Mrs. McLaughlin said the proposed legislation is aimed at delivering a fairer economy, where ‘every community has a decent chance to succeed’.
"Whether you live in Derry, Newry, Omagh, Enniskillen, Coleraine or Belfast, you should be able to access the opportunities needed to build a good life. Putting regional balance into law across our government will help us to deliver on that promise,” she said.