A service bus at markets and new contact points in the neighbourhood where residents can apply for passports in Laak: the municipality of The Hague will provide more help and services in the neighbourhoods. By organising services close to residents, the municipality wants to become more reliable and approachable. Alderman Bredemeijer (service provision) ‘The municipality will be going out into the neighbourhoods even more to seek out and help residents.’
Residents can turn to the municipality for, for example, help requests, passports and support with care at one of the approximately 150 municipal points. Yet for residents, the municipality sometimes feels distant and confidence in the government has declined.
Alderman Bredemeijer: ‘To all residents of The Hague: be welcome at the municipality in the neighbourhoods too. Hague residents need an accessible and approachable government that is close to them. By expanding our services in the neighbourhoods, we are working on trust in the government and are literally reducing the distance between residents and government. We are proud of what we as a municipality do for residents and we want to promote that even more in the neighbourhoods.’
Taking a service bus to the market
Starting this month, the municipality will take to the streets with an electric and welcoming service bus. At this mobile service point, residents can ask questions and get advice, and are helped on their way to municipal services. The bus starts in Loosduinen and will later visit other places in the city, such as Leidschenveen-Ypenburg. It will also investigate whether more services, such as renewing parking permits or vaccinating children, can be delivered here.
The municipality will also set up municipal contact points where residents can go for help and advice. Special attention will be paid to residents of neighbourhoods that are less likely to find their way to the municipality, such as Transvaal. Finally, district office Laak will open its doors this year for applying for and collecting travel documents. This will prepare for the future passport peak.
Based on research among residents
The municipality is taking these actions based on residents’ needs and connection to existing services. In the coming period, the municipality will evaluate the measures and draw lessons to further develop services.
Text: Gemeente Den Haag, translated to English by The Hague Online
Photos: Martijn Beekman.
