The Government Information (Access) Act (Woo) gives residents of Utrecht the right to request information from government bodies. Transparency regarding government actions is central to this.
What does the Woo entail?
The Government Information (Access) Act, formerly known as the Wob, regulates access to government information. The principle is that information is public, unless there is a statutory reason to refuse it.
Who may submit a Woo request?
In Utrecht, and throughout the Netherlands, anyone may submit a Woo request:
- Residents and citizens
- Businesses
- Media and journalists
- Organizations and associations
You do not need to have a specific interest to request the information.
What information can you request?
Under the Woo in Utrecht, you can, among other things, request:
- Policy documents and decisions
- Research reports
- E-mails and letters
- Minutes of meetings
- Agreements with external parties
Where can you submit a request in Utrecht?
| Body | Contact Point |
|---|---|
| Municipality of Utrecht | College of Mayor and Aldermen |
| Province of Utrecht | Provincial Executive |
| National government | Relevant ministry |
| Water board | Board of the water board |
How does the procedure work?
- Send a written request to the relevant body
- Describe specifically which information or documents you are seeking
- The government must respond within 4 weeks (extension to 6 weeks possible)
- For extensive requests, the timeframe may be longer
Practical questions about the Woo in Utrecht
Are there costs associated with a Woo request?
Submitting a request is free of charge. For copies or extensive documentation, the government may charge a fee.
Do I have to explain why I want the information?
No, you are not required to provide a reason. Access to information is a right, regardless of your motivation.
What if my request in Utrecht is refused?
In the event of a refusal, you can lodge an objection with the relevant body within 6 weeks. Subsequently, you may go to court if necessary.
Frequently asked questions specific to Utrecht
How do I submit a Woo request to the Municipality of Utrecht?
Send your request in writing to the College of Mayor and Aldermen of Utrecht. Specify which documents you wish to receive and be as specific as possible, for example by mentioning dates or topics. This can be done by post or e-mail via the municipality's official channels.
Which information is excluded from the Woo?
Certain data, such as privacy-sensitive information, trade secrets or matters concerning security, fall outside the scope of the Woo. The government must always explain why something is not disclosed. If it is unclear, you can request clarification.
How quickly will I receive a response to my request?
The standard response time is 4 weeks. In complex cases, this may be extended by 2 weeks. If the Municipality of Utrecht or another body does not respond in time, you can send a reminder or file a complaint.
What if my Woo request is rejected?
In the event of a rejection, you have 6 weeks to object. Send an objection letter to the body, such as the Municipality of Utrecht, with your arguments. If this does not help, you can consider legal proceedings via the District Court of Midden-Nederland (Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht).
Can I request contracts between the Municipality of Utrecht and companies?
Yes, this falls under the Woo. However, parts of contracts may be refused due to commercial interests. In that case, request the public parts and, if necessary, object to the refusal.
Do I have to provide personal details?
Yes, your name and contact details are required for processing. Anonymous requests are not processed. However, you do not need to provide a reason for your request, and your details will be treated confidentially.
Can I submit a request digitally to Utrecht bodies?
Yes, the Municipality of Utrecht and other bodies often accept requests by e-mail. Check the body's website for specific instructions or forms. Always request an acknowledgment of receipt and keep a copy of your request.
In summary
The Government Information (Access) Act (Woo) gives everyone in Utrecht the right to request government information, without needing to provide a reason. Submit your request in writing to the appropriate body, such as the Municipality of Utrecht, and receive a response within 4-6 weeks.
Need help? Contact the Juridisch Loket Utrecht at Catharijnesingel 55 for advice on your Woo request.