7 This gap between Income and Expenses has been funded from Investment Income, which is only a short-term funding solution. The disparity between contribution collection and benefit expenditure must be addressed. Of utmost importance to the Board and Management during the 2016-2017 financial year was garnering the required support from our stakeholders (Government, Business and Labour) to implement certain important recommendations arising out of the findings of the 9th AR. The NIBTT engaged in consultations with stakeholder interest groups and continued to lobby for the necessary changes to the system. While some issues may be easily addressed, other measures (such as reviewing the retirement age) are more complicated, with long- and far-ranging effects. Nonetheless, the NIBTT will remain steadfast in the pursuit of the necessary changes that will ensure the viability of the NI System for the benefit of the public it serves. SERVICE EXCLLENCE Select metrics related to service to our customers BENEFIT EXPENDITURE, CONTRIBUTION INCOME, INVESTMENT INCOME 2016/2017 2015/2016 2014/2015 2013/2014 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 Millions As predicted by the ninth and previous ARs, due to the current mix of these and other factors in the context of our NIS, Benefit Expenditure in recent years has almost always been higher than Contribution Income. This financial year was no different. June 2017 June 2016 Number of Benefit Recipients 191,840 186,839 Number of Long-Term Beneficiaries 160,420 153,823 Claims Received 45,550 46,687 Claims Determined 46,496 48,796 Employers Surveyed 4,512 4,589 Number of Employers Registered for Online Submission 756 721 of Contribution Data and Contribution Payments $4,748,499 $4,608,236 $935,940 $4,513,239 $4,215,552 $4,251,701 $1,007,273 $4,261,469 $774,598 $3,915,782 $3,624,030 $699,283 Benefit Expenditure Contribution Income Investment Income (Realised)