The Dutch government has reversed its earlier budget cuts to Digital Government Information Points (IDOs). Local councils will now retain their full funding and remain responsible for organising these services.
Following the mid-year budget adjustment for 2026, the government has confirmed that additional resources will be allocated to IDO services. The previously announced 10% budget cut for 2026 has been revoked, as stated by the State Secretary for Digitalisation and Kingdom Relations in a letter to Parliament (Dutch).
Residents can continue to access personal, low-threshold support for government-related issues. Libraries will remain important venues for these services, but councils will also have the flexibility to establish IDOs in other locations, such as community centres or schools.
In addition to IDOs, the government is working on accessible, empathetic public services. Currently, 28 locations across the Netherlands offer integrated government services, primarily through local councils. These services assist people with issues involving multiple government bodies. In 2026, the focus will be on better connecting these 2 complementary service channels.
Local councils remain in charge
The government believes local councils are best placed to understand residents’ needs, so they will continue to oversee the regional organisation of IDOs. This aligns with the policy vision of ‘Personal and Close to Home‘ (Dutch), providing help in logical, accessible locations.
Possible legal safeguards
The State Secretary, together with the Minister of Education, Culture, and Science (OCW), is examining whether low-threshold, empathetic support can be legally embedded. Any legal safeguards would not impact the budget.
For more information on IDO’s services to citizens, please visit the IDO website.
