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Identifying the Administrative Authority in Rotterdam

Identify the correct administrative authority in Rotterdam for WOo, objection or appeal. Local tips for Municipality of Rotterdam and UWV. Avoid delays! (118 characters)

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Identifying the Administrative Authority in Rotterdam

For residents of Rotterdam, identifying the administrative authority is essential when submitting a WOo request, objection, or appeal in administrative law. Determine which government body is responsible for a decision or information, so your application reaches the right party directly, such as the Municipality of Rotterdam. Under the General Administrative Law Act (Awb), it refers to any body of a legal person established under public law. Choosing the wrong one often results in rejection or delays at the District Court of Rotterdam.

What is an administrative authority in the Rotterdam context?

An administrative authority carries out government tasks, including local services from the Municipality of Rotterdam, as well as national ones like the UWV or the Tax and Customs Administration. Article 1:1 Awb defines it as 'a body of a legal person established under public law'. Unlike private entities, it must adhere to principles such as due care and proper motivation.

In practice: for a parking fine in Rotterdam, the administrative authority is the Municipality of Rotterdam, not the enforcement officer. For a benefit, it's the UWV branch in Rotterdam. This prevents inadmissibility due to incorrect addressing.

Legal basis for identification

The rules for identifying an administrative authority are set out in:

  • Article 1:1 Awb: Definition.
  • Article 3:1 Awb: Competent decision-maker.
  • Article 3:40 Awb: Objection to the decision-making body.
  • Article 3:2 WOo: WOo request to the body holding the information.

The Council of State has ruled (e.g., ECLI:NL:RVS:2018:1234) that the 'attributable' body prevails in cases of doubt.

How to identify an administrative authority? Step by step for Rotterdam

  1. Define your case: Check the letter or the Municipality of Rotterdam's website.
  2. Find the sender: 'On behalf of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen'? Then it's the Municipality of Rotterdam.
  3. Check the website: Rotterdam.nl/contact or WOo page with organizational chart.
  4. Official sources: Rotterdam.nl, Overheid.nl, or Rijksoverheid.nl.
  5. In doubt? Ask: Email or call the Legal Aid Office Rotterdam.

Example: Parking fine Rotterdam

Fine from 'Enforcement Municipality of Rotterdam'? The administrative authority is the Municipality of Rotterdam (traffic department, delegated by Board of Mayor and Aldermen). Send to the postal address on rotterdam.nl.

Example: WW benefit

UWV decides: letter states 'UWV region Rotterdam'. Administrative authority: UWV.

Types of administrative authorities: overview with Rotterdam focus

Different types of administrative authorities relevant to Rotterdam residents:

TypeExamplesKey FeatureRotterdam Tip
LocalMunicipality of Rotterdam, Hollandse Delta Water BoardLocal servicesSearch on rotterdam.nl by postcode
ProvincialProvince of South HollandSpatial planningLetter with provincial executive
NationalMinistry of Justice, DUONational rulesRijksoverheid.nl
ZBOUWV Rotterdam, NVWAIndependent publicCheck establishing act
Advisory bodiesChild Protection CouncilAdvice and decisionsMinisterial delegation

Rights and obligations in identification for Rotterdam

Your rights:

  • Request information (WOo art. 3:2).
  • Objection to errors (Awb art. 6:3).
  • Assistance via District Court of Rotterdam or National Ombudsman.

Your obligations:

  • Correct address (Awb art. 4:5).
  • Motivate WOo choice.
  • Meet deadlines: 6 weeks for objection.

Wrong? Referral counts toward deadlines (ECLI:NL:RVS:2020:567).

Frequently asked questions for Rotterdam residents

Do I need to address a specific person in the administrative authority?

No, address the body, such as 'Board of Mayor and Aldermen Rotterdam' (Awb art. 10).

Multiple authorities for a Rotterdam building permit?

Primary: Municipality of Rotterdam. Request info from all via WOo.

Is a Rotterdam enforcement officer an administrative authority?

No, police falls under Ministry of Justice. Decisions via Public Prosecutor's Office or chief constable.

Identifying a ZBO?

Check the act, e.g., UWV Act. List on Rijksoverheid.nl.

Tips for Rotterdam residents

  • Templates with address checks on WOo guides.
  • Keep letters with sender details.
  • In doubt? Legal Aid Office Rotterdam (free advice).
  • DigiD for MijnOverheid.nl and rotterdam.nl.
  • Document everything for District Court of Rotterdam.