I've recently watched '60 days on the streets' a three episode Channel 4 documentary by Ed Stafford. He sleeps out and mixes with beggars in Manchester, London and Glasgow. Interesting to see how some are not homeless, some are very vulnerable, many are driven by addiction etc. Some beg because its lucrative, even though they may have a flat, benefits etc. Whilst the problem has increased in England, Glasgow has gone some way to reducing the numbers.
A beggar getting £20 isn't a surprise.