The roles of different levels of government in keeping a safe and habitable environment
Answers
The Netherlands has a long tradition of consultation and cooperation of government bodies, stakeholder organisations, and citizens. Within this framework, policy on national and international issues is prepared by central government and forms the basis for legislation ratified by the Dutch Parliament.
Policy related to the provinces and municipalities is devolved to government at these levels, closer to the people and on the principle of promoting public participation in democracy.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment is responsible for developing policy in the national context and the provinces are responsible for translating these guidelines into the regional context. The municipalities have the power and financial means to develop and implement local policy on spatial planning and the environment. Close cooperation between all levels of government inherent in the Dutch system ensures the necessary checks and balances.