Advisory system

The Advisory Bodies Framework Act (‘Kaderwet adviescolleges’) sets out general rules for advisory bodies. Independent central government advisory bodies give advice on new policies and legislation. They fall under the Advisory Bodies Framework Act.

Aim of the Advisory Bodies Framework Act

The Act is intended to make the advisory system simpler and more transparent, and to keep advice and consultation separate. This separation is intended to improve political decision-making. Another aim of the Advisory Bodies Framework Act is to further improve the political direction provided to advisory bodies. 

Parts of the advisory system

The advisory system consists of several types of advisory bodies:

  • independent advisory bodies: the Scientific Council for Government Policy, the Social and Economic Council , research bureaus, the High Councils of State, and around 250 different independent committees (including investigative and advisory committees);
  • permanent advisory bodies;
  • temporary advisory bodies.

The Minister for Housing and the Central Government Sector has to countersign any decision to create a new advisory body. This is meant to limit the number of advisory bodies. The cabinet considers the creation and composition of all independent committees.

Evaluation of Advisory Bodies Framework Act

The Act is evaluated every four years to make sure it is achieving its goals and to measure its impact in practice. The most recent evaluation took place in 2011.

Each year an overview of all the advisory bodies that fall under the Act is given in the Central Government Operational Management Report. This annual report also contains an overview of how much members were paid and a list of newly-established ad hoc committees.