Under the Government Information (Public Access) Act (Woo), you can request various documents from the government. Not all information is publicly accessible, but much is.
What is understood by a document?
According to the Woo, a document is any written material or other medium containing information. This includes, among other things:
- Correspondence such as letters and e-mails
- Analyses and policy notes
- Minutes of meetings
- Visual materials such as photos and videos
- Electronic data and files
Types of documents you can request
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Official decisions | Permits, decisions on subsidies |
| Policy documents | Strategies, guidelines |
| Communication | Correspondence with residents or organisations |
| Studies | Research results, assessments |
| Agreements | Contracts with external parties |
| Consultation documents | Agendas and partial minutes |
Proactive publication
A growing number of documents are automatically published without you needing to submit a request:
- Laws and local rules on overheid.nl
- Documents of the Leiden Municipal Council
- Decisions on Woo requests on rijksoverheid.nl
What cannot be requested?
- Documents that do not exist
- Information not in the possession of the government
- Documents falling under an exception rule
- Information already publicly available
Frequently asked questions about Woo requests in Leiden
Can I request chat messages from civil servants?
Yes, provided they are work-related messages concerning an administrative matter, they fall under the Woo.
Is the government obliged to create documents for me?
No, the Woo only gives the right to existing information. New documents do not need to be created.
Can I request historical documents?
Yes, there is no time limit for requests. However, old documents may have been destroyed in accordance with the Archives Act.
Practical information for Leiden
Do you want to submit a Woo request in Leiden? This can be done with the Municipality of Leiden via their official website or by e-mail. Ensure your request is specific and clearly state which information you are seeking. The response period is normally four weeks, with a possible extension of another four weeks. For legal support, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Leiden at Stationsweg 46. In case of disputes over refusals, a case can be brought before the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location.
Frequently asked questions about the procedure
How do I submit a request to the Municipality of Leiden?
A Woo request can be submitted via the Municipality of Leiden's website or by e-mail. Describe exactly which documents you want to receive and why. The municipality has four weeks to respond, possibly extended by another four weeks.
Are there costs associated with a request?
In general, requesting documents is free of charge. For extensive requests, however, costs for copies or shipping may be charged. You will be informed in advance.
What if my request is refused?
In case of refusal, you will receive a written explanation. You can object to the Municipality of Leiden within six weeks. If this is also rejected, you can go to court, for example, the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location.