Proactive Disclosure in Westland
In Westland, government bodies such as the Municipality of Westland must proactively publish certain documents on their website without residents needing to submit a request. This is laid down in the Government Information (Public Access) Act (WOo) and promotes greater transparency about local decisions, such as horticultural plans or traffic measures.
Legal Basis for Westland
The proactive disclosure is set out in the Government Information (Public Access) Act (WOo), which replaced the old Wob as of 1 May 2022. Relevant articles:
- Article 3 WOo: Maintain and publish a register of working documents.
- Article 5 WOo: Publish general rules and policy documents online.
- Article 6 WOo: Share positions on planned decisions.
- Article 7 WOo: Disclose decisions on objections and appeals.
- Article 8 WOo: Publish granted WOo requests.
- Article 11 WOo: Annual report on disclosure.
This applies to the Municipality of Westland, provinces, water boards, and central government. Everything must be provided digitally and in a structured public register on the website, making it easy for Westland residents to find.
Which Documents in Westland?
The Municipality of Westland publishes various documents, such as:
- Policy documents: Budgets, annual accounts, subsidy rules, and environmental plans for greenhouses.
- Working documents: Draft decisions and preparatory notes.
- Positions on decisions: Explanations for permits, e.g., greenhouse horticulture expansions.
- Objection and appeal rulings: Anonymized judgments.
- Granted WOo requests: Released documents from prior applications.
Publication occurs promptly after adoption, except where privacy or trade secrets apply (Article 10 WOo).
Examples from Westland
The Municipality of Westland is preparing new parking policy in Naaldwijk. Under Article 6 WOo, the position on this decision is already in the public register – no need to submit a WOo request.
At Delfland Water Board (relevant for Westland), you can find annual accounts and budgets online to review local water management finances.
Or check granted WOo requests from the municipality: a resident discovered details on a subsidy for sustainable greenhouses simply via the website.
Rights and Obligations in Westland
Your rights as a Westland resident:
- Free access to all published information, without an application.
- Check the register for compliance by the municipality.
- Submit a WOo request for unpublished documents (see requesting from government).
Government obligations:
- Proactively and timely publish online.
- Provide searchable, structured registers.
- Report annually (Article 11 WOo).
If the Municipality of Westland fails to comply, file a complaint or go to the District Court in Westland. Get free advice from The Legal Desk Westland.
Proactive vs. Passive in Westland
Proactive disclosure is done on the authority's initiative; passive is on request. Comparison:
| Aspect | Proactive | Passive (request) |
|---|---|---|
| Initiative | Municipality of Westland | Your WOo request |
| Costs | Always free | Free; copies sometimes charged |
| Timeline | Immediately after adoption | Max. 4 weeks (Art. 25 WOo) |
| Examples | Environmental plans, registers | Internal notes |
| Limitations | Privacy (Art. 10) | Refusal with reasons |
FAQ for Westland
Is proactive disclosure free?
Yes, fully free and directly available on the Municipality of Westland website.
Missing information in Westland?
Submit a WOo request. For repeated failures: complaint to the municipality or District Court in Westland. Check The Legal Desk Westland.
Was this available under Wob?
No, WOo expanded it since 2022; Wob was more limited.
Where to find the Municipality of Westland register?
Search westland.nl for 'WOo register' or 'proactive disclosure'.
Tips for Westland Residents
Make the most of proactive disclosure:
- Check registers: Sign up for the Municipality of Westland newsletter.
- Search smart: Use the search function on westland.nl.
- Combine with requests: For additional info (see WOo info).
- Document: Take screenshots for objections or court cases at the District Court in Westland.
- Consult experts: The Legal Desk Westland assists with questions.