OXFORD residents struggling with winter fuel bills are being offered advice to make sure they are getting all the help available.

The Citizens Advice Bureau has teamed up with Oxford City Council to offer quick checks of benefit entitlements so residents can find out if they can claim extra support to help keep on top of payments.

Sessions started this week and are being held every Tuesday between 2pm and 4pm until the end of March. They take place in the city council’s Customer Services Centre, in St Aldate’s.

The scheme is part of a countywide initiative which was recently awarded £160,000 by the Government to help vulnerable residents during the winter.

Oxford CAB director Gill Tishler said: “Many people are struggling to pay their fuel bills, and this is one way we can help.”

City councillor Gill Sanders added: “The service that Oxford CAB is offering will highlight what benefits people may be entitled to.

“This could have a massive impact on their lives and help with costly fuel bills and help to keep them warm in the winter months.”

General help and information is available by calling the Warm Homes Healthy People helpline on 0844 887 0005.