The Social Protection Team in the Human Development Network is
pleased to sponsor this BBL presentation by

David Barr, Deputy Director, Fraud and Error Strategy,
Department for Work and Pensions

Chaired by
Maureen Lewis, Adviser, HDNVP

Because Social Protection programs channel a large amount of public resources, it is important to make sure that these are not diverted from their intended purpose due to error, fraud or corruption (EFC).  EFC reduces the economic efficiency of these interventions, diminishes the amount of money that can go to intended beneficiaries, and erodes the political support for the program.  While no program is immune to EFC, evidence from developed countries demonstrates that such leakage can be brought to negligible levels. 

One of the most successful experiences comes from the United Kingdom, where the Department for Work and Pensions halved the level of error and fraud in the SP system from 1998 to 2006. This seminar is an opportunity to learn first-hand about what it takes to get these results from one of the architects of the reform, Mr. David Barr.

Presentation (750kb pdf)

About the Speaker
Mr. David Barr has worked for DWP (or its Social Security predecessors) since 1973. After almost 20 years in benefit operations, including management positions in London offices, he transferred to the then DSS HQ in 1992. Since then he has worked in various policy areas, including as Deputy Head of Housing Benefit Strategy Division from 2001 until 2005.  In December 2005 he was appointed Deputy Director for DWP Fraud and Error Strategy and is responsible for ensuring that the DWP has effective measures in place to combat fraud and error in the benefits system.

For further information, please contact: mrani@worldbank.org