LAST month, Teignmouth Town Council decided on a seven-four vote not to enter into The Quality Council scheme. Clerk Dave Tickell said: 'There is no point in having a quality mark.' While deputy mayor Cllr David Weekes feels that status is unobtainable. With just 358 parish and town councils out of 10,000 nationwide taking up the scheme, it seems that he is not a lone voice. But there is no doubting the aims of the scheme. In its own blurb, the Quality Parish and Town Council Scheme states: 'By acquiring quality status, parish and town councils can demonstrate that they are representative, in touch with their communities, competent and capable of taking on an enhanced role.' It means that councils have to be open and accountable, able to forge links with other authorities and community groups, keep the public up-to-date and have a trained clerk. And that everyone in the council, those employed by the council and the public knows what's going on. Town councillor Mary Strudwick supports the principles of the scheme. Cllr Strudwick has experience at district and county level. She is an honorary Alderman of the county council. 'I support the idea of a quality council, but if people come to our meetings and witness the way some of the councillors behave, then we would be laughed at for even considering it. 'We need to work together first, put politics and personal feelings aside before we can even consider becoming a quality council,' she said. Five councils have been accredited in Teignbridge. They are Dawlish Town Council, Newton Abbot Town Council, Bovey Tracey Town Council, Kingsteignton Parish Council and Ipplepen Parish Council. And every one has benefited, said Devon secretary of the National Association of Local Councils, Lesley Smith. 'Quality status seems to improve confidence at every level. There is confidence in the working practice and confidence in each of the councillors. It instils a civic pride,' she said. Of the 21 councils in Devon, most had to take a close look at their working practises. 'It is not like handing out sweets,' said Mrs Smith. 'It is about making a key change, and many that have been accredited have had to really look hard at how they do things. 'It is not a gold standard, but it is a standard that the council can be proud of,' said Mrs Smith. Mrs Smith continued that the biggest step is having a qualified clerk, but it is one that no one, in her experience, has regretted. 'It means that even the most experienced clerk can hone his or her skills and ensure that they are up do date; it is a very useful thing to do. And communication is key. 'It is so important, and no one does it perfectly, but a regular newsletter, keeping in touch with the man on the street in a language that everyone can understand is really important,' she said. Accredited councils have had to pass six tests that means there has to be at least 80 per cent of elected members on first accreditation, that the clerk is qualified in council administration, that regular and properly advertised and conducted meetings are held, that there is good communication with the public and other organisations, that a publicly available annual report is produced, there are accurate and transparent financial arrangements and that the council has adopted the Code of Conduct. At a full council meeting held on July 25, Cllr Weekes said: 'I can't see how Teignmouth Town Council can ever become a quality town council.' He may have a point. The factions at the town council are all too obvious and the debates often rage into arguments and shouting matches. There are some areas of council life that, at the moment, seem to fall short of the criteria. The nature of standing orders are constantly called into question, another councillor refuses to approve the accounts. And it is of concern that some meetings are not held in public. A petition is under way in the town calling for planning discussions to be open. Meetings to discuss the year's precept are held in sub-committee. Others throughout the district are open to public and press. Copies of the budget breakdown are circulated at other town and parish councils. In the good councillor's guide, published by The National Training Strategy for Town and Parish Councils, one of the must-dos is: 'Council and committee meetings (and following recent advice, sub-committee meetings) must all be advertised and open to the press and public'. Most of this is an issue of communication and a willingness to open up the workings of the council. It is not about evading duty on the part of the council, but perhaps not following best practice. While the business of the council is often reported in the newspapers, the council does not produce a newsletter to keep people informed of the work of the council. There is a website, but it is rarely up to date. An annual report is produced and it is available for inspection at Bitton House. Teignmouth town council has been praised for its working partnerships with other organisations, including the Teignmouth Regeneration Project, the museum, Eastcliff and many others. It actively participates in and supports local groups, even seeking out representation on organisations including the Harbour Commission. It does endeavour to represent the people but. sadly, many don't know it. And part of that problem is a common misconception of the work of the council, its powers and limitations. That's why Dawlish Town Council has produced a leaflet to be circulated to every household. It sets out the role of the council and its councillors. Of course, these things can be done without the Quality Council mark. But, there are further reaching implications for the future. In the government White Paper set to be published in October, it could be that Quality Councils, that are already likely to have a proactive culture and vision for the future, will take on greater responsibilities for community leadership and responsibilities. And though the content of the paper is unknown, it has been suggested that some councils will be left behind. Ms Smith said: 'There is no doubt that quality councils are better placed to enter into this re-organisation. 'And that is because they have already ironed things out and have good procedures in place. It means that they will make good partners for other organisations and have a vision of how they go forward,' she said.