COUNCILLORS who put up charges are to hand back their free parking permits following an outcry, but can still claim fees on expenses.

The five members of Cherwell District Council’s ruling cabinet made the move after the Oxford Mail reported on the free permits.

Critics branded Michael Gibbard, Nigel Morris, James Macnamara, Debbie Pickford and Nicholas Turner “hypocrites” after they backed raising charges in council car parks by 10p an hour.

The permits could only be used in council car parks on official business.

Mr Morris, executive member for community safety, street scene and rural services, said: “Use of these permits was an effective and efficient way for portfolio holders with busy council diaries to avoid the need for copious expense claims. While each permit carried a serial number so they could easily be monitored to avoid misuse, we can see how their existence might have been misconstrued by those using our car parks.

“The handful of councillors who previously made use of these permits will now be required to fill in expense claim forms for each time they pay for parking while on council business.”

Nick Cotter, Liberal Democrat leader, said: “All I can say is, victory, and frankly I believe they have rightly been shamed into this.”