Improved system for evaluating central government

Every year, the central government spends hundreds of billions of euros on a wide vareity of schemes and activities seen as benefiting society. This public money, raised from taxes, is used to fund facilities that matter to citizens and businesses alike. It is vital, therefore, to understand exactly what this money has achieved.

What are we auditing?

The Netherlands Court of Audit audits the quality of periodic reports and how they are used. This is an important task because it provides the government and the House of Representatives with greater insight into whether policy is effective and whether greater value for money can be achieved. As well as assessing the quality of policy evaluations – in other words, how they have been structured and performed – we also assess how the government and the House of Representatives have used the insights gained. In doing so, we aim to help ensure that the government learns from past experience and that money raised from taxes is spent sensibly, economically and prudently.

Why are we carrying out this audit?

Each year, government ministries commission evaluations to provide insight into how they have spent public money. The ministries themselves can learn from these evaluations, while parliament uses the information to monitor and assess the government and the choices that have to be made. It is important, therefore, for evaluations both to be conducted properly and used effectively. By this we mean that they must be of high quality and that ministries and the House of Representatives should use the results in their decision-making.

Do you want to take part in this investigation?

The Court of Audit invites you to share any information you may have that would benefit our investigation. We appreciate all contributions, knowledge and experience you may care to share with us on this topic. Simply send an email to bijdrage@rekenkamer.nl.

We read all emails carefully and treat them in confidence. However, we are not able to reply to every contribution we receive.