PC Loan Scheme
Background
For a number of years the use of PC’s in the home in the UK has remained static at around 60-65%. There are many reasons why this is undesirable. It was found that the main reasons for this halt in take-up were:
- Cost – There are many who people could not afford the investment in a home computer
- Confidence - Even when affordable it was found that people had a fear of using them.
- Capability - Many people do not possess the skills needed to use a home computer, and did not know how to get them.
- Connectivity - Many households find that they are not able to access high-speed broadband, or simply couldn’t afford it.
In 2007 The government challenged local authorities to find innovative ways to address this problem. In response Milton Keynes council with direct support from Microsoft, have via wholly owned broadband supplier, Connect>MK started providing fully featured supported PCs and laptops as a low cost rental service to anyone that qualifies.
Why Do We Do It?
It has been shown that there is a direct relationship between digital access, digital skills attainment and economic prosperity; this includes employment prospects and academic attainment in students. Where there is a PC in the home all of this indicators were entirely positive, where they isn’t it was clear that that almost all family members are at a disadvantage.
The intention of the scheme is to encourage take-up and to close the gap to those that may find it difficult to own a fully-featured PC or laptop with the latest software, even today this might still cost as much as £400-£500.00 Once you add-in an extended support contract and other software such as protection software this cost can soon easily reach £600 or more.
Who Can Benefit from this Loan Scheme?
Anyone who is on any form of assisted benefits will qualify, however, if you are not in receipt of benefits this may not exclude you, if your household income is below £25,000 p.a. or you feel there are special circumstances we should take into account then you should let us know.
Is there a limit per household?
No, as long as each and every applicant can satisfy the criteria we will consider multiple loans.
Can I get help with learning how to use a PC?
Yes, we are working closely with our partners and will be happy to provide details once you loan has been approved.
Why do we charge even the low sum of £1.50 per week?
The PC and laptops are donated by Milton Keynes Council. The scheme is designed to be self-funding. There is a cost attached to ensuring that data is removed from the hard drives, and that they are refurbished to a high standard. There is also the cost of the latest Microsoft software (if you bought this software from a retail store it would be upwards of £250.00). And last but not least, we have to make a small charge to cover the schemes administration costs.
