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Problem with your municipality or other government body?

Published by:
Netherlands Chamber of Commerce, KVK

Disagree with a decision? File an objection

Do you disagree with a decision made by your municipality or another government authority? For example, you do not get the permit you applied for. Or your benefit is reduced.

Then you can let the government organisation that made the decision know that you disagree. This is called filing an objection. Usually the decision also contains information on how to object. Otherwise, contact the organisation to find this out.

Please note that you must file an objection within 6 weeks of the decision being made.

Filing a complaint with the municipality

Do you feel that you have not been treated well by your municipality and want to file a complaint about this? You will find information on how to submit your complaint on your municipality's website. This can often be done digitally, on paper, and by telephone. It also says how long it will take for you to receive an answer.

Do you disagree with the response?

Then you can contact an ombudsman. This is someone who helps people with their problems with the government. Most municipalities are affiliated with the National Ombudsman. Some municipalities have their own ombudsman.

Complaint about another government organisation

Do you think you have not been treated well by another government organisation? You can file a complaint about a ministry at Rijksoverheid.nl (in Dutch). For other government organisations, submit the complaint to the organisation itself:

Do you have a complaint for another government organisation? Check the website of the government organisation concerned on how to file a complaint.

Are you not satisfied with the handling of your complaint?

Then you can take the complaint to the National Ombudsman. Some governments or agencies have their own ombudsman. Check who you can contact on the National Ombudsman's website (in Dutch).

Bothered by unclear government rules, unnecessary administrative burdens?

National government (Rijksoverheid)

Are you bothered by conflicting or unclear national government rules? Or by unnecessary administrative burdens? Report this to the Rules and regulations contact point, Meldpunt regelgeving.

Local authorities

Do the rules of a local authority, such as a municipality, province, or regional water authority bother you? Report this to that local government (agency) directly. Not sure which local authority? The Meldpunt regelgeving can help you with this.

European rules and regulations

You can report suggestions for improving European legislation and regulations and reducing regulatory pressure to Lighten the load - Have your say!

Problem with a government agency in another EU country

Have your company's EU rights been violated by a government agency in another EU country? Then you can ask Solvit for help. If your case has been accepted, Solvit will try to resolve it within 10 weeks.

Government or business malpractice

Do you see wrongdoing at a government organisation or business? Report it to the right organisation:

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Questions relating to this article?

Please contact the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce, KVK

Problem with your municipality or other government body? | Business.gov.nl