Politicians need to be accessible - commissioner

Politicians need to be accessible to all, the commissioner for standards has said

Politicians in the Channel Islands need to ensure they are accessible to all people they represent, says the pan-island commissioner for standards.

Melissa McCullough said she had received "a number of complaints" that some people were struggling to contact their local representatives.

In a guidance note to politicians, Ms McCullough said some members of the community had no access to communication tools which included a "telephone, a computer or even paper and a postage stamp".

Ms McCullough said the barriers could be caused by financial problems, insecurity over their housing or learning difficulties, which made it difficult to communicate.

She said: "Lack of access to a means of communication creates barriers to communicating with members.

"Left unaddressed, this can undermine equality, diversity and inclusion principles, and the respect and courtesy expected by the public from members."

Ms McCullough said to prevent barriers, politicians should take steps to "ensure particular attention is given to people with such difficulties and any other vulnerabilities that could create barriers to them accessing their elected representatives".