In a comprehensive, yet accessible, account of the state of poverty in Scotland, the main trends are highlighted and explained against the backdrop of ‘austerity’ and radical changes to the UK social security system. As well as reviewing the impact of policy developments since the 2011 edition, the anti-poverty cases for both independence and the union are set out by leading advocates of the Yes and Better Together campaigns. Contributions from academics, policy experts and campaigners also look to the future in setting out principles for a more equitable Scotland – whatever the outcome of the referendum. And in this latest edition, a series of essays explores the ways other countries and regions have sought to tackle poverty and inequality within a variety of constitutional settlements and demands for further autonomy.