I have a feeling I'm just being quite dumb on this one...

Occasionally, I'll start to move off only to realise that, even though I have released it, the handbrake has stuck on, requiring normally just a constant effort to move off to undo. But yesterday the left rear brake stuck on quite significantly, requiring quite a bootful of acceleration to unstick.

I'm pretty sure the discs are OK, they rust up a bit but they don't look more than 1mm worn, I'm not sure how the pads can be checked?

However, I've been able to determine that this largely happens only when I have applied the handbrake after driving in the wet and then leaving the car for a while (a day or two). As a result I had put it down to the pads/discs rusting together, but I don't know if I'm slowly destroying something...what are your thougts?

I have the same problem each time I wash the VRS, but it happened with my last car (306 D Turbo) so haven't really worried about it.

Most of my journeys are long enough to warm the brakes up, maybe that's why I don't see this issue after a drive in the wet.

There are threads on here discussing the addition of springs to the rear callipers, this helps release the handbrake and also makes sure the pads aren't rubbing as you drive so you might see a small increase in MPG too.

My Fabia does this and my previous car (Astra G) suffered too.

On the Astra I never found a solution to it. New pads and discs would temporarily solve the problem but after time the problem would return. I've just got in the habit now of not using the handbrake if it has been raining heavily.

If handbrake usage was essential and they have seized I think it's better to reverse first and release them that way.

I think the only thing you can destroy is the pads. One time changing rear pads the friction material had come off the backing and was in 3 pieces.