ABSTRACT
In the range of resource transfer and territorial policies, the Netherlands represents an extreme case of the former and an intermediate one of the latter. The current resource transfer arrangement was a by-product of major events in Dutch politics which took place during the first half of the century. The outcome of those events continues to affect Dutch politics in general and current territorial politics in particular. This chapter begins by treating the development of transfer policy and then considers two policy areas, housing and transportation, as they are affected by interlevel relations. The road programme was preceded by a rationalisation and nationalisation of the inter-city rail system and major elements of the bus system. In post-war periods, nearly every nation has made efforts to shift from a city to a more nationally oriented urban policy. The politics of territorial reorganisation is insulated from the politics of transfer payments.
