The election campaign so far has already shown us that not all stated promises or denials should necessarily be taken at face value.

Instead, wiser counsels are suggesting those following the election should view everything stated publicly as bargaining chips – and connect the dots between potential coalition partners.

So it came as no real surprise that in attacks and counterattacks over future tax, welfare and spending plans, the Conservative’s lobbed back shadow chancellor Ed Balls’ point blank refusal to rule out council tax increases as an improvised grenade.