Active Disclosure in Tilburg
In Tilburg, government bodies such as the Municipality of Tilburg must automatically publish certain information on their website without residents needing to file a request. This is laid down in the Government Information (Public Access) Act (WOo) and provides greater insight into local decision-making, for example on the Spoorzone or parking guidelines.
Legal Basis for Tilburg
The active disclosure is set out in the Government Information (Public Access) Act (WOo), which replaced the old Government Information Act (Wob) on 1 May 2022. Relevant articles include:
- Article 3 WOo: Maintain and publish a register of working documents.
- Article 5 WOo: Publish general rules and policy documents online.
- Article 6 WOo: Share positions on planned decisions.
- Article 7 WOo: Publish objection and appeal decisions.
- Article 8 WOo: Make granted WOo requests public.
- Article 11 WOo: Annual report on disclosure.
This applies to the Municipality of Tilburg, provinces, water authorities such as Brabantse Delta, and national authorities. All information must be provided digitally and in a structured public register on the website, such as on tilburg.nl.
What Documents Does the Municipality of Tilburg Publish?
Government bodies proactively share various documents. Examples in Tilburg:
- Policy documents: Budgets, annual accounts, subsidy conditions, and the Omgevingsplan Tilburg.
- Working documents: Draft decisions and preparatory notes.
- Positions on decisions: Justifications for permits, such as for construction in the city.
- Objection and appeal rulings: Anonymized judgments.
- Granted WOo requests: Previously released documents.
Publication follows shortly after adoption, except where privacy or trade secrets apply (Article 10 WOo).
Examples from Tilburg and Surroundings
The Municipality of Tilburg is developing new parking policy for the city center. Under Article 6 WOo, the position on the draft decision is available in the public register on tilburg.nl – without a WOo request.
At the Brabantse Delta water authority, you can find annual accounts and budgets online, allowing Tilburg residents to review water management finances.
For national matters: Ministries publish WOo responses, such as grant awards.
Your Rights and Obligations in Tilburg
Rights as a Tilburg resident:
- Free access to all published information.
- Check compliance via the register on tilburg.nl.
- File a WOo request for unpublished documents (see requesting from government).
Obligations of government bodies:
- Proactively and timely online publication.
- Searchable, structured presentation.
- Annual reporting (Article 11 WOo).
In case of shortcomings: File a complaint with the Municipality of Tilburg, seek help from the Legal Aid Desk Tilburg, or proceed to the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant in Breda.
Active vs. Passive in Tilburg
Difference from passive disclosure (on request):
| Aspect | Active | Passive |
|---|---|---|
| Initiative | Government (e.g., Municipality of Tilburg) | Your WOo request |
| Costs | Free | Free, copies sometimes charged |
| Timeline | Quick/proactive | Max. 4 weeks (Art. 25 WOo) |
| Examples | Tilburg budget, registers | Internal notes |
| Limitations | Privacy (Art. 10) | Refusal with reasons |
Frequently Asked Questions for Tilburg
Is active disclosure free?
Yes, always free via tilburg.nl or other sites, without a request.
Missing information from Municipality of Tilburg?
File a WOo request. If repeated: complaint or to District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant. Seek advice from Legal Aid Desk Tilburg.
Difference from Wob?
WOo expands it since 2022; Wob was more limited.
Where to find the register?
Search tilburg.nl for 'WOo register' or 'active disclosure'.
Tips for Tilburg Residents
Make optimal use:
- Check registers: Subscribe to Municipality of Tilburg newsletters.
- Use search: Sites are searchable.
- Combine with WOo requests (see WOo info).
- Take screenshots: Preserve evidence for complaints or proceedings.
- Consult Legal Aid Desk Tilburg for personal assistance.