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Millie Mitchell

@milliemitchell.bsky.social
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Reposted by Millie Mitchell
Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
While we await further election results, here is the current status of political control of the regional mayoralties across England courtesy of @sarahroutley.bsky.social. Further @instituteforgovernment.org.uk analysis will follow throughout the day..
A map from the Institute for Government showing the current result of the four mayoralties up for election in May 2025 as at 10:15 on 2 May 2025 (1 Reform UK, 1 Labour, 2 yet to be announced). The other mayoralties have Labour mayors with the exception of Tees Valley which has a Conservative mayor.
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Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
With polls open for local and mayoral elections in areas across England, check out our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk briefings to see where they are taking place and what roles are up for election.
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Millie Mitchell @milliemitchell.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
MHCLG have just released the outcomes frameworks for Greater Manchester & West Midland's integrated settlements. (Very exciting for any fellow devo enthusiasts!) Read more here - www.gov.uk/government/c...
gov.uk
Integrated Settlements for Mayoral Combined Authorities
​Details of the integrated settlements for Mayoral Combined Authorities.
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Sarah Routley @sarahroutley.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
In a new comment for @instituteforgov.bsky.social I take a look at councils' interim plans for local government reorganisation. They reveal deep disagreements in many places and a need for strong local leadership. Read more here 👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/coun...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Councils’ divisions over local government reorganisation show need for local leadership | Institute for Government
Local government reorganisation has revealed deep disagreements in many places across England.
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akashpaun.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
Tomorrow at @instituteforgov.bsky.social we're hosting GM Mayor @andyburnham.bsky.social for a keynote speech. The mayor will be setting out his vision for the future of Greater Manchester and making the case for further devolution. Sign up at: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/keynot...
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 26/03/2025
"Rushing out policy decisions to chase small forecast revisions is no way to make stable long-term policy." Follow our IfG experts for our instant reaction to today's spring statement. @tompope.bsky.social @gemmatetlow.bsky.social @danhaile.bsky.social @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social
A quote from Thomas Pope, IfG deputy chief economist, on the 2025 spring statement:

"Rushing out policy decisions to chase small forecast revisions is no way to make stable long-term policy. Reeves was right to aspire to only one fiscal event a year and should resist the temptation to deviate from this again."
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Millie Mitchell @milliemitchell.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
Planning reform given big emphasis in Rachel Reeves' statement today, including key measures from last week's Planning and Infrastructure Bill. For a breakdown of 5 major changes, check out this recent blog from @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social and me www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/five...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Five key changes set out in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill | Institute for Government
What is the potential impact of the government's planning bill?
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Reposted by Millie Mitchell
Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 25/03/2025
Pothole politics risks undermining MHCLG’s efforts to simplify funding The government’s latest announcement on potholes funding is indicative of wider problems in local government funding, says @rebeccamckee.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/poth...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Pothole politics risks undermining MHCLG’s efforts to simplify funding | Institute for Government
Keir Starmer's plan to fix potholes risks creating more problems.
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Millie Mitchell @milliemitchell.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
Want to know how Greater Manchester plans to deliver with their trailblazing integrated settlement? Next week, the Institute for Government welcomes Andy Burnham for a keynote speech and in-conversation. Join us using the link below
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 24/03/2025
There's one week left to apply for a Researcher to join our devolution team! You will have the opportunity to engage with senior policymakers and experts from all parts of the UK. 📅 Applications close on Monday 31 March, 14:00. Find out more www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
A job advert to join the IfG's devolution team as a researcher.

This is a permanent position, starting as soon as notice periods allow.

Salary: £32,000 to £37,000 depending on skills and experience.

Deadline: Monday 31 March, 14:00
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 17/03/2025
“I’ve spent 10 years in opposition where it’s difficult to change things. I’m not going to spend years in government equally not being able to change things” Keir Starmer tells @drhannahwhite.bsky.social why he wants to change the way govt works – and why it is his responsibility to make it happen.
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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
📣New report from me & @brionya.bsky.social MCAs’ decision-making is often limited by unanimous voting rules Effective decision making for key strategic plans requires a shift to simple majority voting alongside greater capacity and accountability www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
How the government can support better decision making in mayoral combined authorities | Institute for Government
Making England’s ‘devolution revolution’ a reality.
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Reposted by Millie Mitchell
Shivani Chivukula @shivanichivukula.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
In light of today's announcement - this chart gives some context on how NHS England accounts for almost half of government's total spending on ALBs, and how increases to its budget have been the main driver for the overall increase in funding for ALBs in recent years.
Line chart from the Institute for Government of government funding of arm's-length bodies by category, 2013/23-2022/23 (in 2024/25 prices), where funding of NDPBs has increased over the time period but funding of executive agencies and non-ministerial departments has stayed almost flat.
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Millie Mitchell @milliemitchell.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
LIVE NOW - tune in to hear the Institute for Government's take on Starmer's latest reforms
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Reposted by Millie Mitchell
Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 12/03/2025
As Nicola Sturgeon announces plans to stand down as an MSP at the Holyrood election next year, check out her #MinistersReflect interview in which she discusses her experience as first minister of Scotland and shares her proudest achievements www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/ministers-re...
A quote from Nicola Sturgeon, former first minister of Scotland.

"There is so much I am very proud of. Obviously there are lots of things I wish I'd done better or differently and things that I didn't even try to do that I wish I had [...] I think there will be kids today that grow up into adulthood with better opportunity and better success in life because of [the Scottish Child Payment] policy now making a real difference."
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Reposted by Millie Mitchell
Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
While we all speculate about what exactly the PM will say tomorrow and what the balance between ministers, depts and public bodies should be over policy decisions, I thought I'd have a look through the @instituteforgov.bsky.social's interviews with former ministers to see what they have to say...
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Millie Mitchell @milliemitchell.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Good news for mayors in today's Planning and Infrastructure Bill: 📍strengthened powers to create spatial development strategies 📍mayoral development corporations can be used to develop greenfield land as well as regenerating brownfield sites publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/cbi...
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Sarah Routley @sarahroutley.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority held its first board meeting this morning. What powers will the new combined authority hold? What is the history of devolution to the area? Find out in my @instituteforgov.bsky.social explainer 👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ma...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire | Institute for Government
The first mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire will be elected on 1 May 2025.
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Millie Mitchell @milliemitchell.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Excellent new IfG report on making a success of delivering local government reorganisation and devolution at the same time. Read more here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
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Millie Mitchell @milliemitchell.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
The Mayor of London has launched a consultation on his plans to transform Oxford street using a mayoral development corporation (MDC). For more about what an MDC is and what powers they have, check out my IfG explainer: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/mayoral-development-corporations
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Mayoral development corporations | Institute for Government
What are mayoral development corporations and which mayors are using them?
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Reposted by Millie Mitchell
Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 25/02/2025
EVENT: How can the government support mayoral combined authorities to deliver economic growth? 🗓️ Tuesday 11 March, 15:00-16:00 Register now to hear our expert panel featuring local government minister @jimmcmahon.co.uk www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/mayora...
An image for an IfG event.

How can the government support mayoral combined authorities to deliver economic growth?

Tuesday 11 March, 15:00-16:00

Amy Harhoff, Chief Executive of the East Midlands Combined County Authority
Rebecca McKee, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government
Jim McMahon MP, Minister for Local Government and English Devolution
Laura Shoaf, Chief Executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority

This event will be chaired by Akash Paun, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.  

Introductory remarks will also be delivered by Robert Breedon, Partner and Co-leader of Government Sector at Gowling WLG.
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Reposted by Millie Mitchell
Ben Paxton @drbenpaxton.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Better transparency in public procurement could be a win-win for government and suppliers. New from @sachinsavur.bsky.social and I on making this a reality as this major change in procurement regulation goes live www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/proc...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
The Procurement Act is an opportunity for government to reap the benefits of transparency | Institute for Government
New legislation to regulate procurement spending is welcome.
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Paddy McAlary @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
New Ministers Reflect interviews from @instituteforgov.bsky.social out now! Clare Short, John Denham and Matt Hancock discuss setting up new departments, dealing with the centre of government and facing era defining crises like the the pandemic www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/ministers-re... 🧵
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Ministers Reflect | Institute for Government
Interviews with former ministers on the realities of the role and how to be effective in government.
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Sarah Routley @sarahroutley.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
The govt has formally invited local government reorganisation proposals from councils in 21 two-tier areas and 19 unitaries. But how can these areas make a success of it? Our next @instituteforgov.bsky.social devolution event will try to answer this question and many more. Register now 👇
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Millie Mitchell @milliemitchell.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
New blog on how the mayor of Liverpool City Region is addressing local skills shortages. As part of a wider research project into devolution & skills for @instituteforgov.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/live...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
How the mayor of Liverpool City Region is addressing local skills shortages | Institute for Government
Further skills devolution should be high on mayors' wish lists.
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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
We’re looking at how UK public inquiries are run & want to explore international models If you ✅ Have experience with public inquiries/similar models internationally (or know someone who has) ✅Know of insightful reports on international models of public inquiry 📣 We’d love to hear from you!
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 10/02/2025
Labour’s plans to extend devolution to more of England’s regions represent a positive step towards completing the map of English devolution. But the government must be alert to the delivery challenges www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/labo...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Labour’s Devolution Priority Programme is welcome – but the government must be alert to the delivery challenges | Institute for Government
What is the government proposing in its latest devolution plan?
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Millie Mitchell @milliemitchell.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
Yesterday the government announced they were postponing local elections in nine areas - shown in pink on this map from @sarahroutley.bsky.social The reason given is that this "will help the area[s] to deliver both reorganisation and devolution to the most ambitious timeframe.”
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Sarah Routley @sarahroutley.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
Today, the SoS for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced local elections would be postponed from May 2025 to May 2026 for nine councils. We have an @instituteforgov.bsky.social 🧵and a new explainer to answer a few questions: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/lo...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Local and mayoral elections 2025 | Institute for Government
On Thursday 1 May 2025, local elections will take place in many parts of England.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 31/01/2025
“All the tendency of the system will be to pull you back to the sort of, as the advisers would see it, safer ground” Mark Drakeford shares his advice for new ministers on how to be effective in the role. 📖 Read his full Ministers Reflect interview www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/ministers-re...
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Millie Mitchell @milliemitchell.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
NEW: The @instituteforgov.bsky.social has today published exclusive interviews with nine former Scottish and Welsh Ministers. The transcripts are full of insights into brexit, the pandemic, and government breakdowns. But what advice did they have for their fellow ministers?
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 31/01/2025
Today we've published a devolution special Ministers Reflect featuring candid interviews with former ministers from Scotland and Wales. Interviews include former first ministers @nicolasturgeon.bsky.social @humzayousaf.bsky.social, Mark Drakeford www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/ministers-re...
 “Firstly, remember that you're the decision maker, so listen, take advice, but don't outsource your decisions to officials or political advisers. […] You're accountable, you're elected, you're the one that has to stand or fall on your decisions.”

Nicola Sturgeon, former first minister of Scotland."Brexit undoubtedly is the most chaotic thing I've ever been involved in in government."

Mark Drakeford, former first minister of Wales"Then, of course, the UK government looked at us with extreme suspicion – even more so than they normally would – given that they were wanting to plough ahead with Brexit and we were seen as a destabilising force."

Humza Yousaf, first minister of Scotland
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Millie Mitchell @milliemitchell.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
A sneak preview into the IfG's latest Ministers Reflect interviews with former Scottish and Welsh ministers. Watch this space for the full interviews which will be published tomorrow!
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Millie Mitchell @milliemitchell.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
Great thread from Sarah on everything we know so far about mayoral candidates for next May!
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 17/01/2025
PODCAST 🎙️ Rachel Reeves takes a gilt trip @estwebber.bsky.social joins the podcast team to look at the challenges facing the chancellor. And we discuss Tulip Siddiq's resignation, Starmer's AI plan, and Whitehall Monitor 2025 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Rachel Reeves takes a gilt trip | Institute for Government
Politico’s Esther Webber joins the podcast team to look at the challenges facing the chancellor.
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Stuart Hoddinott @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
Are you also stumbling into the new year in a cheese-addled daze? Have you lost track of the govt's reviews, commissions, reforms and plans? Fear not! We've published a new 'Week in Public Services' including a preview of what 2025 has in store for services. Link below: medium.com/week-in-publ...
medium.com
Week in Public Services: 13th January 2025
This week: gloomy economic clouds for Reeves; elective care reformed; and spiralling SEND deficits
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Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
Many councils across England meet today to decide whether to bid to join the govt's devolution priority programme. What is it, what's at stake and what will they be considering? Here are some briefing materials from @instituteforgov.bsky.social
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Nick Davies @njdavies.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
New comment piece from me: if Louise Casey wants to improve social care then she should follow the example of the Pensions Commission and rewrite her remit www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/loui...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Baroness Casey should ignore her remit if she wants to improve social care | Institute for Government
The government did not need another review, but its chair can still drive real change.
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Sophie Metcalfe @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social · 06/01/2025
ICYMI - new reflections from me on a fascinating trip to the Sheffield policy campus for @instituteforgov.bsky.social Some big successes on outreach and senior civil service presence, but further to go on joined-up and regionally collaborative policymaking.
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Briony Allen @brionya.bsky.social · 18/12/2024
If for some reason you're not able to tune into the webinar, I'll be posting some highlights below ✨ www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/labour...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
What does Labour’s devolution white paper mean for England? | Institute for Government
IfG experts discuss the government's plans to extend devolution across England and the challenges ahead.
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Millie Mitchell @milliemitchell.bsky.social · 18/12/2024
Make sure to tune into our webinar this morning (9:30-10:30) for our take on the English Devolution white paper and a chance to get your questions answered! www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/labour...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
What does Labour’s devolution white paper mean for England? | Institute for Government
IfG experts discuss the government's plans to extend devolution across England and the challenges ahead.
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Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
Yesterday I spoke to ITV meridian news about the implications of the new English Devolution White Paper for the South East - drawing on a recent @instituteforgov.bsky.social report
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Millie Mitchell @milliemitchell.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
The English Devolution white paper doesn't necessarily offer all the powers that mayors have been calling for, but it does keep the door open This is a welcome move, as the @instituteforgov.bsky.social have prev called for a principle of 'devolve or explain'. As I set out on Times radio last night
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Briony Allen @brionya.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
At 9:30 tomorrow @akashpaun.bsky.social, @tompope.bsky.social, @rebeccamckee.bsky.social and @matthewfright.bsky.social will be answering all* your questions on the English devolution white paper. Submit your questions on slido (can be anonymous) or put it in the replies and I'll pass it on!
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Sophie Metcalfe @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
With thanks to the keen-eyed @milliemitchell.bsky.social for spotting, the government's devolution white paper confirms that it's planning for Spatial Development Strategies to apportion housing targets across constituent authorities.
Text from the government's devolution white paper, reading: "Areas will be able to set SDS to enable their area to grow, identify the infrastructure that is needed and strategic locations for development. This will include an obligation to apportion an assessment of the housing need of the Strategic Authority across its constituent members. The government intends for that assessment to be the cumulative total of the local housing need of each constituent member, as determined by the Standard Method set out in national planning policy. The apportioned figure set for each constituent member in the SDS will then be the minimum housing requirement for the purposes of each member authority’s next Local Plan. Agreement on the precise distribution of housing need will be agreed through the SDS development process. We also expect that the authorities
producing SDSs will be able to encourage the pooling of resources and prioritising of efforts across their constituent authorities to meet housing need."
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Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
Today the government will launch its English Devolution White Paper. On Wednesday we will analyse the implications in this webinar. While we wait on the govt announcement here is a run down of recent @instituteforgov.bsky.social devolution work
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Millie Mitchell @milliemitchell.bsky.social · 12/12/2024
Today the @instituteforgov.bsky.social has published my research into the role that mayors can play to help 'get Britain building'. A 🧵on what the research found
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 11/12/2024
The government is expected to announce plans for the “unitarisation” of a number of England’s two-tier counties in its forthcoming devolution white paper. But what does unitarisation mean? And what are the arguments for and against? www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/lo...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Local government unitarisation | Institute for Government
Unitarisation is a type of local government reorganisation that replaces separate county and district councils with a single tier of local authorities
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
JOB ALERT We have a fantastic researcher role coming up in the @instituteforgov.bsky.social civil service team If you’re interested please consider applying - it’s a brilliant place to work and to contribute to a vital set of debates www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
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