Institutions and Cities. The Dutch Experience
Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht should be given greater financial and administrative powers. Because the position of the country’s major cities leaves a lot to be desired, they should also assume greater responsibility for promoting local economic and social development, the WRR says in its report Institutions and cities. The Dutch Experience (Report no. 37, 1990).
Central government must make a greater effort
Large urban areas account for a relatively large share of the national economy, as well as performing a 'nodal function' in international networks as centres for the concentration and transfer of goods, services and information. Because of their economic and social importance, what happens in the cities concerns everyone. In contrast to a number of similar countries, however, the Dutch government has made only limited efforts to strengthen the urban structure in this country.
Cities must also do more
It is against that background that the WRR makes a number of recommendations. Its proposed solution for the accumulation of social problems in the large cities is to increase local responsibilities, for example. Where necessary, the large cities should also be allowed to expand by redrawing municipal boundaries.