New look for government website

Tuesday, 2 March 2004 12:00 AM

The government's main information website is being given a new image over the next few months.

The Directgov website will eventually replace the UK Online site as the first port of call for Britons looking for information about government services.

A formal launch of the new site is planned for later this year, the Office of the e-Envoy has announced.
Directgov features themed sections that bring together information from all the different government websites in one place.

UK Online was set up in 2001 as a portal to help people find out more about government services. Directgov is a purpose-built site that allows citizen easier access to information, providing them with a one stop shop.

For example, a parent with a disabled child will be able to find out what support is available without having to go to the separate sites for the Department for Education and Skills or Department of Work and Pensions.

Directgov is billing itself as "the place to turn for the widest range of government information and services." Users can also access definitive government directories, use the search engine, book a driving test, tax a car, renew a passport, find out about child safety, parental leave, special educational needs and lots more via the new website.

"We have made great strides in putting government services and information online and Directgov brings these together into one place which people will find easier to access and to use," said minister for the Cabinet Office, Douglas Alexander. "Over time this new service aims to become the first destination for people accessing government electronically."

The site has been launched with content for motorists, parents, Brits abroad and the disabled. Other groups to be covered in future include job seekers, householders and adult learners. External links will still be provided on the Directgov site for those that require more detail.

Information on the Directgov website has been put together by the departments involved.

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