Three advisory councils, Rli, RVS and ROB, publish their advisory report ‘Every region counts! A new approach to regional disparities’

27 march 2023

Advice of Rli, RVS and ROB to the Dutch government: A change of approach is needed in the area of regional policy

There are significant regional disparities in wellbeing in the Netherlands and these disparities are widening. Government policy should focus on countering undesirable disparities, as compensating for deficits alone is not enough. Investment in long-term regional development is needed throughout the Netherlands. When making policy choices, the government should place the emphasis not only on economic returns, but also on the impact on society and the environment in every region of the Netherlands. This is the advice given by the Council for the Environment and Infrastructure (Rli), the Council of Public Health & Society (RVS) and the Council for Public Administration (ROB) in the advisory report ‘Every region counts! A new approach to regional disparities’, which was handed over to the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Hanke Bruins Slot, on 27 March 2023.

Cover advisory report Every region counts!

There are significant differences between the regions of the Netherlands, from a cultural perspective and in terms of the environment and landscape. These differences make living in the Netherlands worthwhile, but the increase in undesirable disparities between the Dutch regions is alarming. To reduce undesirable disparities between regions, the three advisory councils believe that a basic level of accessible facilities should be available throughout the country. This does not have to be the same everywhere, but education, healthcare, work, cultural offerings and public meeting spaces should be accessible to people in all parts of the Netherlands. The councils advise the government to focus on vibrant communities, invest in regional wellbeing and create a basis for trust.

Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Hanke Bruins Slot, received the advisory report ‘Every region counts! A new approach to regional disparities’ on 27 March 2023. From left to right: council chairs Han Polman (ROB) and Jet Bussemaker (RVS), Minister Hanke Bruins Slot and council chair Jan Jaap de Graeff (Rli). Photo: Karel Hulskers

Read the press release ‘Advice of Rli, RVS and ROB to the Dutch government: A change of approach is needed in the area of regional policy’

For more information about the advisory report, please contact the project leader Bart Swanenvleugel at bart.swanenvleugel@rli.nl, or on +31 (0)6 52012691.