I have been working on my handbrake which is near to useless but it needs to work for the MOT.

I know from the manual how adjustments are made and that the mechanism is self adjusting for cable changes

"Handbrake lever assembly is self adjusting and
will correctly tension cables."

Looking at the diagram I cannot see how this is achieved, all I can see is the compensator which only ensures that the same tension is applied to each cable. So there is no way of adjusting for changes in the length of the cables.

Click image to enlarge

Is there an adjusting nut on the end of the single cable on the compensator?

Not that I know of, its not mentioned in the manual and not apparent in the diagram I posted.

David Range Rover 4.2 Supercharged 2006
Ford Focus EcoBoost 1.5 2017
MG TF 2003

Previous Cars of note
Land Rover Discovery 2
Jaguar Mk2 3.8 - Company car
MG Midget 1974 - Concours

There isn’t a way of tightening the handbrake cables, LRs solution is to replace the stretched cable with a new one.
The usual reason the handbrakes are indifferent is crud in the rear drums.
Taking the drums off, cleaning them and emery clothing the surface of the pads works wonders.

Thanks everyone

I should have said, I've fitted new discs and pads, new shoes, springs and retainers. Cleaned and lubricated expander and adjuster, so pretty much all new.

So it looks like new cables are required. Still they have lasted a long time so can't complain too much.

Next job investigate if prop shaft does have to be removed.

David Range Rover 4.2 Supercharged 2006
Ford Focus EcoBoost 1.5 2017
MG TF 2003

Previous Cars of note
Land Rover Discovery 2
Jaguar Mk2 3.8 - Company car
MG Midget 1974 - Concours

My handbrake was hopeless when I first got the vehicle and would struggle to hold the vehicle on a hill in neutral. When I changed the rear discs I used the adjusters to ease the shoes onto the drums and then backed off just a couple of clicks. That was a job in itself, lining up the star wheel with the access hole. Result was that the handbrake held the vehicle even in gear. I don't tend to use the handbrake very often, ensuring that it is good enough to pass MOT every time, for the last several years. Previous cars:
S-Max 2007-2013 (only diesel I've had, good car but expensive when diesely bits go wrong, so what's the point?)
Galaxy 2001-2007
Mondeo Estate 1997-2001
Sierra Estate 1993-1997
Uno Turbo 1987 -1993
Fiesta 1984 - 1987
Fiat 127 1982 - 1984

I've decided to buy new cables.....

we will see what happens then

David Range Rover 4.2 Supercharged 2006
Ford Focus EcoBoost 1.5 2017
MG TF 2003

Previous Cars of note
Land Rover Discovery 2
Jaguar Mk2 3.8 - Company car
MG Midget 1974 - Concours