FIVE councillors who backed a hike in parking charges have free parking permits, it has emerged.

The members of Cherwell District Council’s executive can use the permits to park for free in council car parks when on official business.

It comes after Conservatives Michael Gibbard, Nigel Morris, James Macnamara, Debbie Pickford and Nicholas Turner agreed in January to put up charges by 10p an hour.

Disabled blue badge holders will also be charged for the first time, charges will be introduced for evening parking, and the council wants to introduce charges in Kidlington.

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Cotter accused the councillors of “rank hypocrisy”.

He said: “It appears to be one rule for them and another for the rest of us.”

Conservative Kieron Mallon had a permit while he was an executive member, but has since returned it.

Labour council chairman George Parish has a permit for the duration of his chairmanship.

Mr Cotter said: “I really do hope that they will do the decent thing – as apparently one of their brethren did some time ago – and surrender these permits.”

Labour group leader Les Sibley added: “These free-loading local Tory councillors ought to hang their heads in shame.

“Residents will take a dim view of the ‘I’m all right Jack’ attitude of Conservative councillors who are determined to drive through ill-conceived and extortionate car parking fees and penalties for the hapless motorist.”

But Mr Macnamara, executive member for resources and communications, said: “I would only use the permit if I was doing something connected with my role as a council portfolio holder.

“To do otherwise would be tantamount to fiddling expenses and neither myself nor my colleagues would do that.”

Each of the authority’s 50 councillors get £4,155 a year, with executive members getting a further £6,291. Expenses are paid for mileage, babysitting or carers, parking and food and drink.

Tony Douglas, owner of Henry’s Menswear, in Sheep Street, said: “Not only do they receive remuneration for being a councillor, now we find out of course they are not bothered about car parking charges because they have got a permit.”

Dionne Arrowsmith, of Deans Court Cafe, said: “In light of what’s happening with car park charges and the cuts in services, I think it’s outrageous.

“Who else gets free parking to go about their business?”

At present, 186 Cherwell District Council staff have parking permits. They can only be used for council business.

Oxfordshire County Council does not issue permits to staff or councillors.

West Oxfordshire District Council does not as its car parks are free.

Some 242 staff and councillors have permits at South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils.

These can be used in all South Oxfordshire car parks and Charter, Rye Farms and Hales Meadows in Abingdon, but must only be used for council business.

Oxford City Council did not answer the Oxford Mail’s query.