Under the Government Information (Public Access) Act (Woo), you can request various documents from the government. Not everything is accessible, but much information is available to residents of Zoetermeer.
What constitutes a document?
According to the Woo, a document is any written piece or material containing information. This may include:
- Correspondence such as letters and e-mails
- Analyses and policy notes
- Minutes of meetings
- Visual materials such as photos and videos
- Digital data and files
Types of documents you can request
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Official decisions | Permits, subsidy awards |
| Policy documents | Strategies, guidelines |
| Written communication | Correspondence with residents or organisations |
| Studies | Research results, assessments |
| Agreements | Contracts with service providers |
| Meeting documents | Agendas and reports (partially) |
Proactive publication
Much information is nowadays published by the government without a request:
- Laws and local rules on overheid.nl
- Documents of the Municipal Council of Zoetermeer
- Decisions on Woo requests on rijksoverheid.nl
What is not requestable?
- Information that does not exist
- Data not in possession of the government
- Documents falling under an exception rule
- Information already public
Frequently asked questions about Woo requests in Zoetermeer
Can I request chat messages from civil servants?
Yes, if they concern work-related communication about administrative matters, they fall under the Woo.
Must the government create new documents for me?
No, the Woo applies only to existing documents. The government is not obliged to produce something new.
Can I request historical documents?
Yes, there is no time limit for requests. However, bear in mind that old documents may have been destroyed in accordance with the Archives Act.
Practical questions about requesting documents
How do I submit a request to the Municipality of Zoetermeer?
You can submit a Woo request to the Municipality of Zoetermeer via their website or by e-mail. Describe specifically what information you are seeking and why. The municipality has four weeks to respond, with a possible extension of another four weeks. A clear request prevents delays.
Are there costs associated with a request?
In general, requesting documents is free of charge. For extensive or complex requests, costs may be charged, for example for copies or shipping. The municipality will inform you in advance of any costs, so you can adjust or withdraw your request.
What if my request is refused?
If refused, you will receive a written explanation. You can lodge an objection with the Municipality of Zoetermeer within six weeks. If this is also rejected, you can appeal to the District Court of The Hague. The Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer can advise you on this.
How long does a response to my request take?
The municipality must respond within four weeks, with a possible extension of another four weeks for complex cases. If you have not heard anything after eight weeks, you can send a reminder or seek legal assistance via the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer.
Can I request documents about a specific civil servant?
Yes, provided they are work-related documents concerning administrative matters. Personal data such as private information will not be disclosed. Privacy may outweigh disclosure.
Are there documents that are always refused?
Yes, documents that, for example, compromise state security or personal privacy will not be disclosed. This also applies to business-sensitive information or data that harm the government's economic interests.
Can I request documents outside Zoetermeer?
Yes, you can submit a request to any government body in the Netherlands, regardless of your place of residence. This could be, for example, a province or another municipality.