Decentralisation and Local Democracy in the Netherlands

Abstract

The decentralisations in the social domain are a major change in the Dutch welfare state. Because of the nexus of welfare state retrenchment and relatively weak local institutions, concerns about the quality of democratic control have recently surfaced. To enable the overview on their increased responsibilities, many municipalities are currently developing a Social Domain Monitor. This is a periodically updated document that should give stakeholders a comprehensive view of relevant developments in the social domain. The present study analyses how these monitors have been developed in three middle-large municipalities. The object is to gain insight into the goals of the different stakeholders involved in the social domain. Interviews have been held with local politicians, policy makers and members of interest groups. The analysis reveals that in these specific municipalities, the monitor potentially counters some of the concerns associated with local democratic control. Besides that, several challenges are discerned that possibly undermine this value. In conclusion, this article seeks to add nuance to the relation between decentralisation and democracy.