Objecting to a decision

• You disagree with the decision made on your own application. For example, if you have applied for a permit or social assistance benefit and the municipality has rejected your application.
• You disagree with a decision on someone else’s application. Because this decision also affects you. For example, your neighbours have received an environmental permit for construction to build an extension on their house. You are opposed to the extension because it blocks out the sun.
• You are affected by a decision of the municipality. For example, the decision to reduce your benefit because you are not looking for work.

An objection or appeal does not stop a decision. The decision remains valid as long as there is no new decision. Does a decision have consequences for you that cannot be reversed? Then you can ask the court in Arnhem for a preliminary decision. This is called a preliminary injunction.

• The independent committee for objections advises the municipality on submitted objections.
• Usually, the committee invites you to a meeting. This is called a hearing. You can then explain why you object. The committee will also invite someone from the municipality.
• After the hearing, the committee will give advice to the municipality. The municipality may deviate from this advice.
• You will receive our response to your objection within 18 weeks. If the municipality does not follow the advice of the objection committee, it will explain why.

Do you disagree with the decision on your objection? Then you can appeal to the court. Usually, this is at the court in Arnhem. In some cases, you cannot object, but must lodge an appeal immediately. If this applies to your application, you will find this stated in the response to your application.

Objecting to a decision is free of charge. Are you appealing a decision or requesting a preliminary injunction? If so, you will have to pay costs to the court. You can find the amount of these court fees on the website of Rechtspraak. If the court rules in your favour, these costs are refunded.

This is done in a different way. Read more about how to object to municipal taxes.