Within this discussion it is also important to consider the interdependencies between the system of local taxation and finance as a whole. In the wake of the 2008 recession, the 2010 Crisis and Recovery Act was adopted in order to speed up the planning process by reducing or simplifying some of the permit requirements. At the same time, there were emerging discussions about how the spatial planning system could be further simplified and how' it might better address some of the growing tensions betw'een economic and environmental agendas that are embedded in sectoral policy responses. The national government forwarded a view that existing sectoral policies are increasingly ineffective in dealing with the interconnectedness of projects, activities and land uses. A policy brief at the time notes that “it is difficult to meet societal challenges relating to economic development, flood protection, supplies of raw materials, water and sustainable energy, housing, accessibility and agriculture while at the same time protecting environmental quality, nature and cultural heritage” (Government of the Netherlands, 2012: 3).