A BID to raise parking charges across the Cherwell district is to be reviewed.

A watchdog committee at Cherwell District Council will look at the authority’s plans to increase the hourly charge by 10p in council car parks, axe free disabled parking and charge for evening parking. It also wants to charge at Kidlington’s Watts Way car park.

Now four opposition councillors have “called in” the Conservative decision to be looked at by its overview and scrutiny committee.

Labour’s Les Sibley, backed by three Liberal Democrats, said: “These changes are totally unfair and unjust, particularly the measures to introduce fees for blue badge holders. The council is picking on the weakest in society. It’s appalling.”

The move will net the council £350,000 a year.

Nigel Morris, executive member for community safety, street scene and rural services, said the rise was needed to cope with a public spending squeeze.

He said: “The proposals have been hotly debated and are sensitive, particularly at this difficult time. It is right that the full process available to consider the proposals is used prior to a final decision.”