An initiative involving a collection box scheme is also in the pipeline with the proceeds used to improve the lives of those who beg.

BBC: Aggressive begging is a problem on the streets of Aberdeen

Larger rival Direct Line has told the BBC it is also piloting its own "black box" scheme.

BBC: AA to launch sat-nav tech tracked insurance policy

In the most radical break with the party establishment so far, John Norquist, the mayor of Milwaukee, has thrown his weight behind a scheme that allows poor parents to send their children to private schools (see box).

ECONOMIST: Behind-the-scenes politics