Deeply Flawed Homelessness Legislation

I have thought long and hard about making this post but after speaking to a very vulnerable lady who was evicted from her Council tenancy a few weeks ago, I feel the public have a right to know. The lady in question is a 46 year old lady called Rodell Nicholl, who now sleeps rough in Stirling. She is the first female rough sleeper that I have come across in the 18 years that I have been a councillor. Rodell is a mum to a 11 year old, who is staying with family members now.

Once I became aware of her plight, I contacted Housing officers. They told me that they had discharged their duty to house under homeless legislation. After I received a full background history into Rodell’s case, Council officials convinced me that they had followed the law by the letter. Its important to emphasise that I agree with Housing officers interpretation of the law. I must say this as I do not want anyone slagging off Council staff, who do go beyond their duty to help vulnerable people.

As I write this post, Rodell told me that she slept last night (Wednesday 8th October) outside on a park bench in Stirling. Up until the last few nights she was sleeping in a tent in the doorway of the former BHS (British Home Stores) in Stirling. However, she was driven out of the tent by gangs of youths who now rampage through Stirling city centre.

Two nights ago friends of Rodell had to call an ambulance as she was unwell, probably due to the low overnight temperatures. Thankfully she is okay now.

Why am I writing this post?

Rodell attended a Council meeting earlier this morning and I asked the Provost, who chairs Council meetings, to give Rodell the opportunity to address the 22 councillors who were present. Governance officers (correctly) pointed out that there was nothing in the Council Standing Orders to allow this to take place. However the councillors voted to suspend the meeting and sat in closed session to allow Rodell to address the gathered councillors.

For 5 minutes, Rodell told her story, warts and all. She told us about the struggles she has endured in life, the physical assaults she has suffered and alcohol and drug problems. I found her contribution very moving.

It is important to state that Rodell has not taken drink or drugs for the last 5-6 years. She has turned her life around.

I am not going to go into the reasons why she evicted from her Council tenancy but it was not related to anti-social behaviour of drink or drugs.

As Stirling Council has legally discharged its duty under homeless legislation, she needs to find a private let in the Stirling Council area as that where is where her support network is. Council officials are working with her to identify one as I write this.

Rodell’s housing benefit pays a maximum of £650.00 per month but the cheapest private lets in Stirling cost much more than that, meaning she will have a shortfall to find. Based on the conversations I have held with officials today that could be as much as £350.00 per month.

Councillor’s Salary Increase

Earlier this year, councillors were awarded a huge increase in their salaries, which I refused to accept as I felt strongly when I was elected in 2022 I felt we had entered into a five year contract based on the 2022 salary. Since the increase was introduced, I have donated the extra £320.00 per month that I received to four charities in the Bannockburn ward.

If Housing officials can secure a suitable private let for Rodell, it is my intention to contact the charities and ask them if they mind me diverting my donation to this vulnerable lady instead. Knowing the people involved in these charities, it will not be a problem. I will find another way to replace these donations to the charities who do amazing work in the Bannockburn ward.

Since I have become aware of Rodell’s plight, I cannot sleep at night and feel I have a moral duty to help her as I am certain she will die of hypothermia soon.

Conclusion

I must reiterate that I am 100% satisfied that Stirling Council has discharged its duty under homelessness legislation, however I feel this legislation needs to be revisited to address complex cases like Rodell’s. I intend to contact Stirling MSP, Evelyn Tweed to ask her to raise Rodell’s plight in the Scottish Parliament, as the legislation, as it stands, is failing the most vulnerable people in our communities.

If you feel you want to make any kind of contibution to help Rodell get her life back on track, please feel free to text or Whatts app me on: 07710 096553.

Councillor Alasdair MacPherson, Thursday 9th October 2025, 1-45pm.