Local ContextThe comments will carry particular weight in Wigan, where Mr Burnham won the Makerfield by-election in June and pledged to end what he called “HMO Britain.” Mr Burnham has campaigned against the practice both in his own constituency and more widely. Nationally, the number of asylum seekers living in privately rented houses and flats has grown by more than 7,000 since the general election, to 68,538, even as the government says it is working to close asylum hotels. Mr Burnham said the crossing showed smuggling gangs were changing their methods. Last week, 15 people were arrested in Thetford, Norfolk, after protesters targeted properties believed to house asylum seekers, following reports that a former RAF base at Barnham was being considered for accommodation.