Active Disclosure in Den Haag
Active disclosure requires government bodies in Den Haag, such as the Municipality of Den Haag, to proactively publish information on their websites. Residents of Den Haag do not need to submit a Woo request. This provision under the Public Access to Government Information Act (Woo) provides greater insight into local decision-making.
Legal Basis for Den Haag
Active disclosure is set out in the Public Access to Government Information Act (Woo), effective since May 1, 2022, as the successor to the Wob. Relevant articles:
- Article 3 Woo: Register of working documents at the District Court of Den Haag and Municipality of Den Haag.
- Article 5 Woo: Publication of policy rules and documents on denhaag.nl.
- Article 6 Woo: Positions on proposed decisions, such as Den Haag permits.
- Article 7 Woo: Decisions on objections and appeals from the District Court of Den Haag.
- Article 8 Woo: Granted Woo requests made public.
- Article 11 Woo: Annual report on disclosure by local authorities.
This applies to administrative authorities such as the Municipality of Den Haag, provinces, and ministries. Information is digitally accessible in a public register on websites like denhaag.nl.
Which Documents Does Den Haag Publish?
Den Haag authorities share various documents. Overview:
- Policy documents: Budgets, annual accounts, subsidy conditions, and Den Haag environmental visions.
- Working documents: Draft decisions and preparatory notes.
- Positions on decisions: Justifications for permits in neighborhoods like Scheveningen.
- Objection and appeal rulings: Anonymized judgments from the District Court of Den Haag.
- Granted Woo requests: Released documents from prior requests.
Publication follows shortly after adoption, except in cases involving privacy or trade secrets (Article 10 Woo).
Examples from Den Haag
The Municipality of Den Haag is developing new parking policy for the city center: Article 6 Woo requires publication of the position on the proposal on denhaag.nl. Check the register without submitting a request.
At the District Court of Den Haag: Granted requests on subsidies are available online, allowing residents to see how funds for Den Haag projects are allocated.
Water boards around Den Haag, such as Delfland, post annual accounts directly online for public scrutiny.
Rights and Obligations in Den Haag
Your rights as a Den Haag resident:
- Free access to registers on denhaag.nl or rechtspraak.nl.
- Verification of compliance via public lists.
- Woo request for unpublished information (see Which Documents Can You Request?). Seek advice from the Legal Aid Office in Den Haag.
Government obligations:
- Proactive and timely sharing.
- Searchable structure on websites.
- Annual reporting (Article 11 Woo).
In case of shortcomings: file a complaint with the authority or initiate proceedings at the District Court of Den Haag.
Active vs. Passive in Den Haag
Difference from passive disclosure (on request):
| Aspect | Active Disclosure | Passive Disclosure |
|---|---|---|
| Initiative | Municipality of Den Haag | Your Woo request |
| Costs | Free | Free, except copies |
| Timeline | Immediate | Max. 4 weeks (Art. 25 Woo) |
| Examples | Den Haag budgets | Internal notes |
| Limitations | Privacy (Art. 10) | Refusal with reasons |
FAQs for Den Haag
Is active disclosure free in Den Haag?
Yes, always freely accessible on sites like denhaag.nl, without payment or request.
Missing information from Municipality of Den Haag?
Submit a Woo request. If recurring: complaint or to District Court of Den Haag. Consult Legal Aid Office Den Haag.
Difference from Wob?
Woo expands it since 2022; Wob was more limited for Den Haag authorities.
Where to find the register?
Search denhaag.nl for 'Woo register' or 'active disclosure'.
Tips for Den Haag Residents
Make optimal use:
- Follow registers: Sign up for newsletters from the Municipality of Den Haag.
- Search smartly: Use filters on websites.
- Combine with requests: For additional information (see Woo info).
- Document: Take screenshots for proceedings at District Court of Den Haag.