I was just remided by this of an old Shetland tale. They was a chap carrying home over his shoulder, an otter that he thought was dead. The otter woke up and decided to sink its teeth into the chap's behind.

It was then a question of who was going to let go first.

Perhaps the otter had the slightly better bargaining position?

I suggest then that it may be best then to try and make sure that you have your teeth stuck firmly into the Council's backside - and not the other way round?