Guernsey committee calls for more public engagement

Moves to improve the interaction between the public and the States of Guernsey have been suggested by the Scrutiny Committee.

It said it was currently a weakness in government and it should be easier for departments to be held to account.

The committee has released a Public Engagement Strategy, which is due to be discussed by the States in March.

Committee member Sean McManus said it wanted to counter criticism the States was out of touch with ordinary people.

He said: "Government prides itself on taking informed decisions, but it's difficult to take informed decisions unless we know what people are thinking."

Deputy McManus said the aim of looking at how, where and when the States interacted was to change the perception the States is "disconnected, remote and out of touch with ordinary people".

It is due to be debated at the same time as the Policy Council's corporate information strategy.