Number of asylum seekers living in hotels across UK halves within a year

Small boat crossings also down 23% year-on-year, with Home Office citing more trafficking arrests

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The number of asylum seekers living in hotels has halved within a year, including 13 closures over the past month alone, according to new migration statistics.

Sweeping changes to the asylum system have also seen a significant drop in legal arrivals and asylum claims. But the numbers of asylum seekers who are now being housed in private accommodation has increased, as the government shifts numbers being housed in hotels into privately rented houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).