Not all government information is accessible to the public. The Government Information (Public Access) Act (Woo) provides various grounds on which the government may refuse disclosure in Zoetermeer and elsewhere.
Absolute refusal grounds
For absolute refusal grounds, the government is obliged to refuse disclosure:
- Security of the Netherlands
- Confidential business information entrusted to the government
- Sensitive personal data (such as medical data or religious beliefs)
Relative refusal grounds
For relative refusal grounds, the government balances the interest of public access against other priorities:
| Refusal ground | Example |
|---|---|
| Financial and economic interests | Sensitive information about competition |
| Investigation of criminal activities | Active police investigations |
| Supervision and inspections | Secret control methods |
| Protection of privacy | Personal data of employees |
| Internal policy opinions | Advice within the organisation |
Partial disclosure
In many cases, part of the information is released, with specific parts redacted, such as:
- Personal names and contact information
- Confidential business information
- Internal opinions and advice
Objecting to a refusal
If your Woo request is (partly) refused, you can object:
- Within six weeks of the decision
- Argue that the refusal ground does not apply
- Emphasise that public access is more important
Frequently asked questions about Woo requests in Zoetermeer
Can the government claim that documents do not exist?
Yes, if the requested documents do not exist, the government does not have to create them. However, the government must demonstrate that a serious search for the information has been conducted.
What falls under 'personal policy opinions'?
These are internal opinions and advice from civil servants in draft documents. These are often protected to safeguard open discussion.
Can I still gain access at a later time?
In some cases, yes. After some time, the need for confidentiality may lapse.
Practical questions about Woo requests
When can the government refuse my Woo request in Zoetermeer?
The government can refuse a request on absolute grounds such as national security or privacy-sensitive data. For relative grounds, such as economic harm or ongoing matters, a balancing test is conducted. Objection is possible in case of refusal.
What to do if a Woo request is refused?
In case of refusal, you can file an objection within six weeks via a reasoned objection letter. Explain why the refusal is unjustified or why public access outweighs other interests. Support your position with relevant arguments.
Can I receive part of the information?
Yes, often a portion of the documents is released, with redaction of sensitive information such as names or trade secrets. You can request an explanation of the redactions and object to them.
How long does a response to my request take?
The government must respond to a Woo request within four weeks. For complex cases, this can be extended by four weeks. No response? Send a reminder or file a complaint with the National Ombudsman.
What are special categories of personal data and why are they protected?
These are privacy-sensitive data such as health information or religious beliefs. These are protected under privacy legislation and may only be disclosed with a legal basis.
Can I request information about ongoing matters?
Yes, but the government may refuse if disclosure would harm the investigation. This falls under relative refusal grounds. Objection is possible if you believe public access takes precedence, for example in cases of possible misconduct.
What if the government says documents do not exist?
The government does not have to fabricate documents, but must prove that a thorough search has been conducted. If you doubt this, request a detailed explanation of the search action.
For legal support, you can contact the Zoetermeer Legal Advice Centre. In disputes over Woo requests, a case can be brought before the District Court of The Hague, under which Zoetermeer falls.