Under the Government Information (Public Access) Act (Woo), you can request various documents from the government. Not all information is accessible, but much is.
What constitutes a document?
According to the Woo, a document is any written material or other medium containing information. This includes:
- Correspondence such as letters and emails
- Analyses and policy notes
- Minutes of meetings
- Visual materials such as photos and videos
- Data in digital form
Types of documents you can request
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Administrative decisions | Permits, subsidy awards |
| Policy documents | Strategies, guidelines |
| Communication | Letters with residents or organisations |
| Studies | Research results, assessments |
| Agreements | Contracts with service providers |
| Meeting documentation | Agendas, partial minutes |
Proactive disclosure
The government increasingly publishes information without requiring a request:
- Legislation and regulations on overheid.nl
- Documents of the Municipal Council of Rijswijk
- Decisions on Woo requests on rijksoverheid.nl
What cannot be requested?
- Information that does not exist
- Data not held by the government
- Documents falling under an exception rule
- Information already public
Frequently asked questions about Woo requests
Can I request chat messages from civil servants?
Yes, if they are work-related messages concerning an administrative matter, they fall under the Woo.
Must the government create new documents for me?
No, the Woo only provides the right to existing information. No new documents are created.
Can I request historical documents?
Yes, there is no time limit. Note that old documents may have been destroyed in accordance with the Archives Act.
Practical questions about requesting documents in Rijswijk
How do I submit a request to the Municipality of Rijswijk?
You can submit a Woo request to the Municipality of Rijswijk via their website or by email. Clearly state what information you are seeking and why. The municipality has four weeks to respond, with a possible extension of another four weeks. Ensure your request is specific to avoid 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 of Rijswijk 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 from the municipality. You can lodge an objection within six weeks. If this is also rejected, you can appeal to the District Court of The Hague. The Juridisch Loket Rijswijk can advise you on this.
How long does a response to my request take?
The standard response period is four weeks. For complex cases, this can be extended by another four weeks. If you hear nothing after eight weeks, you can send a reminder or consider legal steps via the Juridisch Loket Rijswijk.
Can I request documents from a specific civil servant?
Yes, provided they are work-related documents concerning an administrative matter. Personal data such as private information will not be disclosed. Privacy may outweigh transparency.
Are there documents that are standardly refused?
Yes, documents that, for example, compromise state security or privacy will not be disclosed. This also applies to trade secrets or information that harms the government's economic interests.
Can I request documents outside Rijswijk?
Yes, you can submit a request to any government body in the Netherlands, regardless of where you live.