Pd ion substituted Ce1-xMxO2-delta (M = Ti, Zr, Hf) have been prepared by a single step solution combustion method. Two atom% Pd ion substitution in the title compounds is confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Pd ion charge state and redox properties have been determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and H2/TPR studies. While Pd ion in CeO2 (Ce0.98Pd0.02O2-delta) showed higher catalytic activity for CO oxidation than Pd metal impregnated over CeO2, further increase in the catalytic activity is observed with Pd ion in Ce1-xTi(Hf)xO2 and a decrease in the activity with Pd ion in Ce1-xZrxO2. Effective charge on Pd ion could be varied by its substitution in these solid solutions Ce1-xMxO2 (M = Ti, Zr & Hf) and also in TiO2 compared to Pd ion in PdO. Effective positive charge on Pd ion is determined from the core level binding energy shift of Pd(3d5/2) peak with respect to Pd metal. Rate of CO oxidation increased and activation energy decreased with increase in effective charge on the Pd ion in the Pd ion substituted fluorites.