Submitting a Woo Request in Den Haag
In Den Haag, you can submit a Woo request to obtain information from local government authorities, based on the Open Government Act (Woo). This law grants residents the right to access public documents, except in cases of significant objections. It promotes transparency at the Municipality of Den Haag and other bodies, and the process is straightforward and free for citizens in the region.
What is a Woo Request?
The Open Government Act (Woo), effective since May 1, 2022, replaced the former Government Information (Public Access) Act (Wob). A Woo request is an official application for documents, data, or other information from government bodies such as the Municipality of Den Haag. Unlike the reactive Wob, the Woo encourages governments to share information proactively. However, requests remain essential for residents of Den Haag seeking targeted details, such as policy plans, agreements, or reports on urban projects.
The Woo applies to all administrative bodies, including the Municipality of Den Haag, provinces, ministries, and water boards. It strengthens local democracy by better engaging Den Haag residents in decision-making. You can submit a request in writing, digitally, or verbally, but writing is recommended for a record of evidence.
Legal Basis of a Woo Request
The legal foundation of a Woo request is found in the Open Government Act. Relevant provisions include:
- Article 3 Woo: Governs proactive publication and supports requests for passive disclosure.
- Article 4 Woo: Establishes the basic right to information about democratic processes, policies, and activities of administrative bodies such as the Municipality of Den Haag.
- Article 5 Woo: Outlines the procedure for submission and handling. Authorities must respond within two weeks, with an option to extend to four weeks.
- Article 16 Woo: Grounds for refusal, including privacy (Article 5.1(1)(b)), national interests, or excessive effort.
The Woo was published in Staatsblad 2021, 546, and complies with EU rules on the reuse of government data. For deeper insights into the Woo, refer to our article on the Open Government Act (Woo). In Den Haag, you can visit the Legal Aid Office Den Haag for free advice on your rights.
How to Submit a Woo Request: Step-by-Step Guide
Submitting a Woo request to authorities in Den Haag is accessible and cost-free. Follow these steps for an effective inquiry:
- Identify the correct body: Determine which administrative body holds the information, such as the Municipality of Den Haag for local matters or a ministry for national issues. Check the Municipality of Den Haag's website for contact details.
- Refine your request: Be specific about what you're seeking, avoiding overly broad or vague descriptions. Mention documents, data, or topics. For example: "I request the disclosure of all contracts with cleaning companies from 2022 by the Municipality of Den Haag."
- Submit the request: Send it via email, mail, or an online form. The Municipality of Den Haag has a dedicated Woo section on their site. Include your name, address, and contact information, though providing a reason is not required.
- Expect a response: The body must decide within two weeks, with possible extensions. Information will be provided digitally, by mail, or for viewing in Den Haag.
- Review the outcome: If refused, you'll receive a reasoned decision. You can object within six weeks, potentially through the District Court of Den Haag.
In Den Haag, the process often occurs digitally via email or government portals. Authorities may anonymize shared information to protect privacy, especially in sensitive local cases.
Practical Examples of Woo Requests in Den Haag
To make it concrete, here are some examples from Den Haag:
- Journalistic work: A journalist requests reports from the Ministry of Justice on detention in the Den Haag region. This results in anonymized data, useful for stories on local prisons.
- Local citizen initiative: Residents of Den Haag request information from the Municipality of Den Haag about a new park project. The municipality shares impact reports, allowing citizens to participate actively in public consultations in the city.
- Personal matter: A local entrepreneur requests documents from the Tax Authority regarding a subsidy for their Den Haag business. This supports preparation for an objection at the District Court of Den Haag.
These examples show how Woo requests in Den Haag can be personal and community-oriented, from individual assistance to broader interests.
Rights and Obligations with a Woo Request
Your Rights
As a resident of Den Haag, you have the right to:
- Information in standard formats such as PDF or Excel.
- Partial disclosure if full disclosure is not feasible.
- Objection and appeal against rejection (through administrative law, see administrative objection at the District Court of Den Haag).
- Free access, except for copying costs above a limit (maximum €4.70 per hour after the first hour).
Your Obligations
You must:
- Submit a clear request; unclear applications risk rejection.
- Use information respectfully, adhering to copyright and privacy rules.
- Potentially cover costs for excessive repeated requests if they are disproportionate.
Government bodies such as the Municipality of Den Haag must act promptly and provide reasoned responses. If they fail, you can complain to the National Ombudsman or seek support from the Legal Aid Office Den Haag.
Refusal of a Woo Request
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.