OKEHAMPTON and Tavistock Citizens' Advice Bureaux is offering free home visits to clients unable to reach their local bureau to ensure that they are claiming all their entitlements during the cold weather.

With ever increasing fuel bills many people are concerned about turning up the heating due to the cost.

Mandy Kenyon, project development officer, said: 'Our funding from the Big Lottery Fund enables us to go out and about and visit people who are unable to get to us.

'They may have transport or caring issues or a disability that makes coming into Okehampton and Tavistock difficult.'

The home visiting service is following up on the CAB's Big Energy Savings Week campaign that ran earlier in the year. The campaign offered the following tips to clients who wanted to cut their bills but stay warm:

l Check you are on the best deal with your current supplier and whether there is a better way you can pay your bills. Most suppliers offer a discount if you pay by direct debit, on average around £100, compared to paying your bill by cash or cheque.

l Make sure you are getting all the financial help you are eligible for. Your supplier might be able to offer you a discount if you are on certain benefits or have energy related debts so get in touch with the CAB for help on 08444 111 444

l Switch to a better deal with a new supplier, particularly if you have never switched before. You could potentially save as much as £200 or more by shopping around. A list of accredited websites can be found by logging onto http://www.consumerfocus.org.uk/get-advice/energy/confidence-code">www.consumerfocus.org.uk/get-advice/energy/confidence-code

l If you use heating oil, consider joining or setting up a local oil buying club. You might be able to negotiate a discount with suppliers if you are buying in bulk. Also, buy early before winter and you might get it cheaper.

l Insulating the loft and cavity walls of your home is a great way to save money on your heating bills, up to £160 per year if you do both. Most major energy suppliers are also offering this at a reduced price.

Mandy said: 'You might also be able to get some help with improving the efficiency of your property from Government funded schemes if you are on a low income.

'There are also lots of small things you can do for free or at low cost around the home to save money on your energy bills, saving, on average, up to £195 per year.'

Find out more by calling the Energy Saving Trust on 0300 123 1234 or fill out an online home energy check on the website http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Insulation/Home-Energy-Check">www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Insulation/Home-Energy-Check

The help offered by the CAB includes how to switch to a cheaper energy supplier, how to save money through insulation and living in an energy efficient way and also which entitlements to claim to maximize your income. The telephone number for the home visiting service is 01837 52105 or for telephone information is 08444 111 444.