I amsterdam - Separation of Powers Act

Since the advent of the Local Authorities (Separation of Powers) Act in 2002 Councillors no longer are a member of the Council Committees. They do attend the meetings however, possibly assisted by civil servants from their departments, in order to provide information to the Committee. Citizens have the opportunity to comment on points included in the committee agenda.

As a consequence of the Act, the competences of the City Council and the City Executive are now more clearly delineated. The City Executive, or alternatively the council committees, are better able to exercise their supervisory powers and now have increased possibilities for including subjects on the agenda for discussion.

Besides fulfilling a supervisory function with regard to the City Council, the committees are also empowered to take decisions for themselves.

In principle the Council Committees meet once every 14 days.