Six Dommelstroom municipalities adopt new Bibob policy

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The municipalities of Nuenen c.a., Son en Breugel, Geldrop-Mierlo, Valkenswaard, Cranendonck and Heeze-Leende are working together to make themselves more resilient against undermining crime. The six Dommelstroom municipalities have now adopted new policies for the application of the Wet bevordering integriteitsbeoordelingen door het openbaar bestuur (the Bibob Act). Among other things, having the same policy is important for preventing the so-called "waterbed effect. The waterbed effect means that criminals move their activities to other (nearby) municipalities, where the policy is less strict.

What is the Bibob Act? 

Application of the Bibob Act helps the municipal government to prevent unwittingly enabling crime. The Bibob Act can be applied to a large number of government decisions, such as permits, subsidies, government contracts and real estate transactions. Investigations can be conducted under the Bibob Act. If there is a serious risk that a permit or subsidy will be used to commit criminal offenses or to exploit benefits obtained from criminal offenses, a permit or subsidy may be refused or withdrawn. Serious danger of such abuse may also be grounds for terminating negotiations or dissolving an agreement. 

Why Bibob policy?

The mayor and the Municipal Executive specify in the policy rule when the Bibob Act is applied. A policy rule prevents arbitrariness, provides clarity to citizens and is transparent to those involved. Having a Bibob policy can also have a preventive effect. It deters criminals. By using the same policy in the Dommelstroom municipalities, the 'dikes are equally high'. 

What is the scope of the new Bibob policy?

Pursuant to the new policy rule "Wet Bibob gemeente Nuenen c.a. 2021", Bibob investigations are applied for permits under the Alcohol Act, operating licenses, environmental permits for construction and environmental activities, subsidies and various forms of real estate transactions and tenders.

From when does the new Bibob policy apply?

The Policy Rule "Wet Bibob Gemeente Nuenen c.a. 2021" shall enter into force on the day after publication in the digital Municipal Gazette. It is not possible to object to a policy rule.