An update:

 

the 09 plate HTP (drums on the back) has had a major service at a VW garage a month or so ago (don't ask).

 

Since the service the handbrake has been sticking less and less, and some weeks on it no longer needs any messing about* to unstick at any time.

 

The shoes and drums are still original at 78K+ so I can only conclude that the "inspection hole(s)" mentioned above (post #10 #12) have both been plugged.

 

 

* generally much noise and a bit of clutch slip in reverse, followed by a bang! from the back of the car.

Until a couple of years ago a Skoda UK Fixed Price Major Inspection Service included cleaning rear brakes.

Which required removing the wheels and drums.

 

Then that went AWOL from the Skoda Services, 

but VW Service Sheets still show that, which is only right taking as how important a hand brake is.

(North Americans call them Emergency Brakes, because they are.)

Mine stuck on bad tonight. Its been parked since last Sunday and its been a wet week. I could barely set off. First, reverse, first... oh. 

 

It went eventually, nearly needed a twincharger engine to make it set off . 

 

Service tomorrow and they said theyll take it all apart n sort it out. So ill see how it is after that