The new service, which provides a major boost to efforts to make government services available through digital platforms, will be available on Sky and Telewest, with NTL to follow soon, making it available to nearly 10 million households. Launched last month, the Directgov site combines motoring, disability and parenting information from 18 different government department websites. A full launch is expected in the autumn.
Andrew Pinder, Tony Blair's e-Envoy, said the topic-based, rather than departmental-based, approach of the new site makes it easier for people to access government services and information.
The move will be supported by TV advertising to promote the brand, which will allow at least half the nation to book a hospital appointment, check benefit rights or do tax returns online.
Local authorities are said to be developing their own web platforms within the Directgov site, allowing people to find out about schools, dustbins and other services by keying in their postcode.
The Office of the e-Envoy has claimed that Directgov has been an instant hit with users, following a survey of 100 internet users who were asked to complete a number of tasks on both Directgov and UK Online and rate the sites.
Almost 90% said it was easier to access government information and public services through Directgov and 80% said they preferred it to UK Online because it offered easier access to a broader range of content.
The news comes as Pinder said he will leave his post before the end of July. The process of finding a new e-Envoy has already begun, with the successor to be announced before the summer.
Quelle: e-consultancy, 29.04.2004
