Dieren municipal service centre closure faces advisory council criticism

The advisory council Sociaal Domein Rheden/Rozendaal sharply criticised the decision by the municipalities of Rheden and Rozendaal to keep the municipal service centre in Dieren closed after the summer holidays. The council argued that shutting the centre contradicts the municipalities' ambition to provide an accessible and approachable government for residents, especially those without car access or digital skills.

The council highlighted that no clear alternative has been offered, noting only vague plans for a periodically opened service desk. It warned that increasing digitalisation of municipal services risks leaving vulnerable citizens without a physical point of contact. The advisory body urged the mayors and aldermen to explain how personal assistance will be guaranteed once the Dieren centre ceases operations.