Open Government Act

The Open Government Act (Woo), which replaced the Open Government Act (Wob) as of May 1, 2022, governs your right to information from the government.

Under the Open Government Act, people have access to much information about the administration of state, county and municipal governments. The basic premise of the law is that government information is public unless the information requested is not suitable to be made public. In this way, people can gain greater insight into government actions and better participate in democracy and government decision-making.

Woo request

Anyone can request disclosure of certain government information: the Woo request. The government does not have to disclose all information. Articles 5.1 and 5.2 of the Woo state when certain information will not be provided. For example, information will not be provided if it would jeopardize the unity of the Crown or the security of the State or if it involves confidential business and manufacturing information and personal data. Information may also be withheld for reasons such as respect for personal privacy, the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses and the security of individuals and businesses.

Submitting a Woo request

Although you can also submit a Woo request orally, it is best to do so by e-mail(gemeente@opsterland.nl) or by mail:

Municipality of Opsterland
Board of Mayor and Aldermen
Postbus 10.000
9244 ZP Beetsterzwaag
o.v.v. Woo request

Information to be retrieved

The Woo is not for answering questions. If you have a question, please contact us.
A Woo request is also not for requesting documents that are already in the public domain. Here are some examples. In time, the municipality will actively publish more information under the Woo.

- Permits. These can be found at https://www.officielebekendmakingen.nl/.

- Spatial plans, such as zoning ordinances. These can be found at https://www.ruimtelijkeplannen.nl/

- Council documents and documents sent by the College to the City Council. These can be found in the council information system.

- Policies and regulations. To do so, go to http://www.overheid.nl

- Information on plot boundaries, property values, deeds and ownership details of houses and buildings. This information can be obtained from the Land Registry.

- Information about companies. For this, please visit the Chamber of Commerce.

- Information from our public municipal archives. For that, see this page for more information.

Handling your Woo request

You may be contacted by the staff member substantively involved in the subject matter of your Woo request to discuss the Woo request with you. You may also be asked to further specify/clarify your request.

Decision deadline

The decision period on a Woo request is four weeks. This period can be extended by two weeks if the request is extensive or complex. You will then be notified. The deadline can also be extended if the requested information also concerns persons or companies outside the municipality. Those others will first be asked to submit their views. You will also be notified of this.

Cost

There is no charge for filing a Woo request. If you do not wish to receive the requested information digitally, but on paper, a fee may be charged for making copies. You will be notified of this in advance.

Learn more about the Woo

You can find more information about the Open Government Act and filing a Woo request on the Rijksoverheid website.

Make an appointment with B and W

Would you like to speak to an Alderman or the mayor in person? You can! The mayor and aldermen have reserved time in their schedules for these conversations, so in most cases you can make an appointment within two weeks.

College consultation request