Regional Balance Bill a major step toward fairness for every community

WEST Tyrone SDLP MLA., Daniel McCrossan, has welcomed the progress of the party’s Regional Balance Bill, which has now passed a key milestone and will proceed to full drafting.

The legislation, led by SDLP economy spokesperson, Sinéad McLaughlin MLA., seeks to embed regional balance in law and ensure that public investment, infrastructure and economic opportunities are distributed fairly across Northern Ireland.

Mr McCrossan said the Bill represents a long-overdue response to entrenched inequalities:

“For too long, people’s opportunities have depended on their postcode," he commented. "That is completely unjust.

"Where you live should not determine your life chances.”

He highlighted that areas with the least targeted investment have consistently experienced the highest levels of poverty, unemployment and health inequalities.

“None of this is accidental. It is the result of years of imbalance and inaction," the local MLA continued.

"Communities across the North have been overlooked while others have repeatedly benefited.

"The Regional Balance Bill aims to change this by requiring government to take a transparent, evidence-based approach to investment that prioritises need and fairness.

“This Bill will hardwire fairness into decision-making. It will finally put an end to the excuses and ensure that every part of Northern Ireland gets a fair deal.”

Mr McCrossan urged all MLAs to back the legislation.

“Every MLA says they want better for their community. This is their opportunity to prove it," he said.

"Supporting this Bill means standing up for jobs, opportunity and prosperity in areas that have waited far too long.”

Mr McCrossan added that delivering regional balance would have benefits far beyond individual constituencies:

“Investing in left-behind areas lifts the entire region," he said.

"Stronger towns, better infrastructure and fairer growth will help build the kind of Northern Ireland we all want to see.”