Blair's web project gets first airing tonight

The portal is the first part of the government's UK Online initiative to be realised, with the 'Government Gateway' and other schemes still to be delivered.

The portal will go live later this evening, with the government stressing it is still in beta stage, and asking for feedback from users. The site is based on the 'life episodes' concept, with users able to research information on a variety of events, such as learning to drive and getting married, without having to separately contact the relevant departments.

The government's acting e-envoy, Andrew Pinder, said: "This is the beginning of a very long march, in some ways one of the biggest consultation exercises in government history. This is very much the start of the conversation."

Currently the portal provides information on only four 'life episodes' with up to a dozen more to follow soon.

The sites current sections are: Life Episodes, giving information orientated around specific experiences Quick Find, allowing users to search the government database Citizen Space, allowing people to comment on and respond to government legislation and Know How, with information on the UK Online initiative.

The exclusive content is being managed by a team at BT.

The portal as it stands is only able to provide information, and does not allow transactions, such as paying taxes or booking a driving test. The transactional element is expected when the Government Gateway goes live early next year.

Perri 6, research fellow at the University of Strathclyde, welcomed the move, but cautioned the government to bring the transactional element online as quickly as possible. He said: "If it's oversold then there will be an expectation mismatch when people realise they can't transact, and they will end up disappointed and won't return."

The portal can be seen later today at www.ukonline.gov.uk.