Frequently asked questions about the Social and Economic Council

• Is the Dutch Cabinet obliged to ask the Council’s advice on all important social and economic matters?
• Can bodies other than the Cabinet ask the Council’s advice?
• How long does it take the Council to prepare an advisory report?
• How does a SER advisory report come about?
• How effective are the Council’s advisory reports?
• Is the Cabinet obliged to follow the Council’s advice?
• What is the role of the Crown members?
• How does the Council coordinate different views among members?
• Does the SER involve groups other than employers, employees and Crown members in the preparation of an advisory report?
• How does the Council promote its advisory reports?
• How many staff members are engaged in drawing up advisory reports?
• Is the Council a government body?
• Does the Council provide funding?