The size, make-up and settlement patterns of minority ethnic communities are significantly different in devolved Scotland from those in England. Little attention has been given to systematically examining the relationship between poverty and ethnicity, particularly in Scotland. Yet, in the face of extensive cuts to public spending, it is crucial that the impacts to small minority ethnic communities are considered.

This review:

• considers vulnerability to, and experiences of, poverty in terms of income and employment, housing, education and health;
• reflects on potential routes out of the phenomenon, and the implications for anti-policy strategies; and
• examines the potential for exploiting key statistical databases in further lines of enquiry to support evidence-based policy-making.