3.29 The PFI model is designed so that the unitary charge should cover all project costs. This means shareholders and lenders face limited financial exposure beyond the money already invested in the project. Once a contract has expired, any surplus cash will be paid out to investors and the SPV company will be closed. This means it may be difficult for the public sector to recover any payments from the SPV post-expiry, making it more important for authorities to resolve any disputes or recover any monies owed before the contract ends.