Use the handbrake every day, just don't leave it on for over a year and expect it not to seize up. It's the latter aspect that's the problem here. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

thaing was it wasn't even on for a year I only use the the hand brake if parked on a slight incline
it just general rust as you say it been parked for a year

If you don't use something mechanical other than very occasionally then it's no great surprise that it can seize when used. Best advice with the EPB is to use it every time - use it or lose it, basically.

Of course, over time the EPB wears and can eventually cause an issue - especially if not correctly checked, cleaned and adjusted at each service. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

For some stange reason I have got into the habit of using the park brake every time when out and about, but when the car is parked in the garage I never apply it, I do however clean out the drums etc. and check/adjust it every service, proably tempting fate now but never had a issue yet.

Cheers
Col

had the old girl back from mot all it failed on was front ball joint rubber split
I can go with that for being of road for a year
I do agree with you all the EPB does need using and maintaining

finally got to bottom of my park brake problems has a sticking cable the dust cover was split and cable had rusted so wasn't releasing the shoes enough
garage took it off and lubed up the cable replaced the cover now all working as it should