Internal pressures-external safeguards: A systemic approach for burden reduction in the Netherlands

Abstract

This chapter addresses the complementarities of culture (bottom-up) and structure (top-down) for the reduction of regulatory burdens. It specifically looks into the case of the Netherlands. Dutch policies on better regulation aim at a cultural shift and structural safeguards. It is found that besides a supportive culture within ministries, it is necessary to establish adequate structures on reducing regulatory burdens. A sole reliance on internal pressures leads to unpredictable outcomes. For a consequent application of routines and procedures that ensure that administrative burdens are accounted for structural safeguards must be in place. Such safeguards comprise of a separate conduct of scrutiny, accountability (and/or transparency of the effects) and the attribution of responsibility and, consequently, problem ownership. It is found that a real separation of scrutiny function and legislation function is necessary. Both tasks may comprise of different skills, values, loyalties and responsibilities. This calls for an enduring structure of checks and balances to ensure the attention for regulatory burdens in the policy process.