IT giant Microsoft has joined forces with Milton Keynes Council for a new scheme to allow residents to rent refurbished computers. The deal is the first of its kind for Microsoft, and aims to help 10,000 residents improve their IT skills. ConnectMK, a company created by the council to tackle the issue of digital inclusion, will refurbish ex-local authority PCs, which will then be loaded with latest Microsoft software. Residents will be able to rent the computers for £1.50 a week, but to qualify, they must be in receipt of a benefit such as income support, job seekers allowance or working tax credit. ‘This is an innovative model which has the potential to connect millions of people in the UK who currently do not have a computer in their homes,' said Microsoft UK regional economic development manager, Sarah Fasey. ‘If we, as a society, don't take bold steps to ensure everyone has access to the digital world then we are going to struggle to get the UK to compete in the global economy.'