Proactive Disclosure in Utrecht
In Utrecht, the Government Information (Public Access) Act (Woo) requires government bodies such as the Municipality of Utrecht and the Utrecht District Court to automatically publish relevant information on their websites. Citizens do not need to submit a Woo request, which enhances transparency on local matters such as permits and budgets.
Legal Basis for Utrecht
The proactive disclosure is provided for in the Government Information (Public Access) Act (Woo), effective since 1 May 2022 as the successor to the Wob. Relevant articles:
- Article 3 Woo: Register of working documents for bodies such as the Municipality of Utrecht.
- Article 5 Woo: Publication of policy rules and documents.
- Article 6 Woo: Positions on proposed decisions.
- Article 7 Woo: Publication of objection and appeal decisions, e.g., at the Utrecht District Court.
- Article 8 Woo: Granted Woo requests made public.
- Article 11 Woo: Annual report on disclosure.
This applies to Utrecht administrative bodies such as the Municipality of Utrecht, the Province of Utrecht and local water boards. Everything digitally in a public register on their sites.
What Does Utrecht Publish Proactively?
Examples include various documents on utrecht.nl or rechtspraak.nl (Utrecht location):
- Policy documents: Municipality of Utrecht budgets, environmental visions and subsidy conditions.
- Working documents: Draft decisions on construction or traffic.
- Positions: Justifications for permits in Utrecht.
- Objection/appeal decisions: Anonymised judgments from the Utrecht District Court.
- Granted requests: Released documents from Woo applications.
Publication shortly after adoption, except in cases of privacy or confidentiality (art. 10 Woo).
Examples from Utrecht
Take the Municipality of Utrecht's cycling policy: under art. 6 Woo, the position on the draft is in the public register on utrecht.nl.
At the Utrecht District Court, you can find granted Woo documents, such as subsidy justifications, without submitting your own request.
Water Board De Stichtse Rijnlanden (Utrecht region) publishes annual accounts online for financial oversight.
Your Rights and Government Obligations in Utrecht
Citizen rights:
- Free access to registers without a request.
- Check compliance at the Municipality of Utrecht.
- Woo request for unpublished material; see Which documents can you request? or Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht.
Government obligations:
- Proactive and timely publication.
- Searchable registers on websites.
- Annual reporting (art. 11 Woo).
In case of shortcomings: file a complaint with the body, get help from Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht or proceed to the Utrecht District Court.
Proactive vs. Passive in Utrecht
Difference between proactive and on-request:
| Aspect | Proactive Disclosure | Passive Disclosure |
|---|---|---|
| Initiative | Government (Municipality of Utrecht) | Your Woo request |
| Costs | Free | Free, copies sometimes charged |
| Timeline | Immediately after adoption | Max. 4 weeks (art. 25 Woo) |
| Examples | Utrecht District Court registers | Internal notes |
| Limitations | Privacy (art. 10) | Reasoned refusal |
FAQs about Utrecht
Is proactive disclosure free in Utrecht?
Yes, always freely accessible on sites like utrecht.nl.
Missing info at Municipality of Utrecht?
Submit a Woo request; if repeated, file a complaint or go to Utrecht District Court with help from Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht.
Difference from Wob?
Woo expands it since 2022; Wob was more limited.
Where to find the register?
Search 'Woo register' or 'proactive disclosure' on utrecht.nl or rechtspraak.nl.
Tips for Utrecht Residents
Make optimal use:
- Follow registers: Sign up for Municipality of Utrecht newsletters.
- Search smart: Use site search functions.
- Combine: With Woo requests; see Woo info.
- Keep evidence: Screenshots for complaints or court cases at Utrecht District Court.