In the spotlights: Open Government Act provides for public information

The Open Government Act (Woo) is a relatively new Dutch law that ensures that government information is easily accessible and transparent. Government agencies, including Naktuinbouw, are required by this law to disclose our information both actively and passively.

Naktuinbouw voluntarily discloses certain information. We do this on various pages of our website. This information, such as legislation and regulations, organization and working methods, and accessibility information, falls into the category of "active disclosure."

In addition, anyone can submit a request for information about Naktuinbouw's public mission. Not all information requests are Woo requests. Only if a document is not publicly accessible or cannot be retrieved directly is an official request for information required. This is done through an official procedure: a Woo request. Such a request falls into the category of "passive disclosure."

Woo & Naktuinbouw

With the introduction of the Woo, Naktuinbouw was required, among other things, to publish Woo requests immediately upon receipt. We developed a dedicated section on our website for this purpose, and since early 2025, we have been publishing incoming Woo requests there. The Communications Team is the first point of contact for Woo applicants and the point where they submit their request. It then goes through our legal department to the relevant responsible party, ensuring we provide the applicant with the correct information within four weeks. At the end of 2025, we added a complaints module to the website. Actively publishing complaints also falls under the Woo.

In 2026, the Dutch government will finalize several more information categories. As soon as it is known what is expected of a public administrative body – such as Naktuinbouw , we will implement this.

Why was the Woo established?

On May 1, 2022, the Woo replaced the former Government Information (Public Access) Act and introduced the Publication Platform for Government Information, where documents from all government institutions can be found centrally. This means that citizens and businesses have easier access to government documents and decisions. The purpose of this law is to create a culture of openness within the government, making information easily accessible and usable. Through this openness, the law aims to promote fairer and more efficient governance and strengthen citizens' trust in the government. The impetus for this amendment was the Child Benefits Affair.