4.17 The contract realignment does not materially alter the transfer of risk and as generally recognised in PFI deals it would be a mistake to hold SBS firmly to every detail of the contract if this would jeopardise NS&I's overall long term objectives. All the key risks of modernising NS&I's operations, reducing staff numbers, service delivery and the cost of running the business remain with SBS. In the short term, changes to the contract are not likely to have any measurable impact on SBS's projected financial deficit position.
4.18 The contract realignment discourages non-partnership behaviour by either NS&I or SBS. For example, it limits the significant negative impacts NS&I could have, by acting unreasonably on the costs of running NS&I's operations and on SBS's financial position.