CPB (Netherlands)

The CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (Dutch: Centraal Planbureau, Central Planning Bureau) is a part of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (Netherlands) and it delivers economic analysis and forecasts. In this process, the CPB tries to be scientifically sound and up-to-date.

The CPB is an independent Dutch government agency founded at 15 September 1945 by Nobel laureate Jan Tinbergen. On 21 April 1947, it obtained its legal basis. It is located in The Hague.

Clients of the CPB are Dutch Cabinet, politicians and political parties, policy makers from ministries, labour unions, employer's organizations, etc. It also provides reports and advice for European Union initiatives. One of the government appointed members in the Social-Economic Council is chair of CPB.

CPB is financed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, but it is operating independently. This means it does have a stable income but also does not have to follow the ministry. This combination is the foundation for the unique status of the CPB. The CPB is asked to analyze the election platforms of the major parties for the effects of proposed policies on the budget deficit, unemployment, inflation, income differentials, and so forth. This makes a clear guide for voters because of the following advantages:

It is also not uncommon to use the results of the CPB to defend attack or compare the different policies.

Parties voluntarily subject their programs to CPB analysis. However, after the elections of 1986, it became a custom that each major party asked the CPB to forecast the consequences of their election program. In general, the parties seem to worry more about being accused of not wanting to face the economic consequences of their proposals than showing negative results. In 2002, the party "List Pim Fortuyn" did not submit their elections platform, although it came in as second largest party.

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