Board follows council call: frameworks first, then further steps AZC

28-05-2025, 12:37

The Municipal Executive of Aalten is responding to the municipal council's call to first establish clear administrative frameworks before taking further steps toward the realization of an asylum seekers' center (AZC) in the municipality of Aalten. The Municipal Executive proposes to work with the council on a careful intermediate step in the decision-making process.

At the council meeting on May 27, 2025, a motion was passed requesting the municipal executive to suspend talks with the COA (Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers) aimed at reaching a letter of intent, and to first allow the municipal council to fully fulfill its policy-setting role. In the motion, the council expresses concerns about the proposed location on Singelweg Aalten, the size of the reception center, the impact on housing and care capacity, and the level of support among the population of Aalten.

Careful and transparent decision-making

The council shares the board's need for clear frameworks, substantiated information, and transparent decision-making. Alderman Wikkerink responded during the meeting: "The worst-case scenario would be for the board to have to make decisions based on incomplete or incorrect information. We feel it is our responsibility to prevent that from happening."

Balancing tasking and support

At the same time, the council emphasizes that there is more at stake than just the Distribution Act and the target. "We see it as our social duty to help people in need. However, we also feel a responsibility to listen to residents who are concerned. We believe in the power of our society to engage in dialogue with understanding and empathy," said the Alderman.

Council sets frameworks

The council has indicated that it wishes to discuss and establish the frameworks in a series of public meetings after the summer. With these frameworks in place, the municipal executive can then set to work to find one or more suitable locations for asylum seekers' accommodation in the municipality of Aalten.