The Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (Wetenschappelijke Raad voor het Regeringsbeleid, WRR) is an independent advisory body on behalf of Dutch government policy. Although the WRR is funded from the budget of the Prime Minister's Office, it operates as an independent think tank, establishing its own work and research programme. The government may formally ask for a policy advice on a specific subject, but it is ultimately up to the Council itself whether or not to meet such a request. The Council focuses on policy issues that are relevant in the long term. Its seven members are all university professors who are appointed for a period of five years. They represent various academic disciplines, e.g. economics, law, sociology and public administration. In addition, the Council has a small, highly qualified staff. WRR reports are sent to the government, which as a rule publishes its reaction within 3 months.