The government is today expected to confirm plans to create a single body against discrimination.

The proposed Commission for Equality and Human Rights would be formed through a merger of the Equal Opportunities Commission, the Disability Rights Commission and the Commission for Racial Equality.

Primary legislation is expected to be announced today in order to create the new body.

It will be charged with upholding human rights and tackling discrimination against women, ethnic minorities, the disabled, or on grounds of sexual orientation, age or religion.

"Every one of us should have the chance to fulfil our potential, live with respect and dignity and not face the fear of prejudice, discrimination and hate," trade secretary Patricia Hewitt said at the launch of the plans in May.

"As individuals, our identities are diverse and complex. People don't define themselves as just a woman, or black or gay and neither should our equality organisations. People and their problems should not be put in boxes.

"The CEHR will bring together knowledge and experience to overcome and challenge all types of discrimination."

Help the Aged is among the charities in favour of the proposal.

"Ageism is pernicious, and our society is riddled with it," said spokeswoman Tessa Harding.

"It is endemic in the workplace.  It leaves older people who are able and willing to work without employment or income, condemning them to poverty in old age.

"The commission is the first and most positive step towards ridding ourselves of this miserable blight."

Others are more cautious of the plans, arguing that all-embracing equality powers must first be passed for the CEHR to be effective.

"The need for single equalities legislation is very important," said chairman of the Disability Rights Commission Bert Massie.

"Without it, it would be easier for the CEHR to fail than to succeed. From day one of the commission's life, there would be serious fault lines in its legal powers which could sow the seeds for future disharmony."

But Trevor Phillips, chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality, has expressed his opposition to the merger, warning that it was "the wrong proposal at the wrong time".

Commissioners voted to "unequivocally reject" the plan in July.