Could the status of Lancashire’s two cities be at risk?

According to the House of Commons library, city status can be associated with having a cathedral, university, a particular form of local government, or having a large population.

Historically, cities were places that had a cathedral, although these days it is not a requirement for a town to have one in order to become a city.

In the case of Preston and Lancaster, both do have a cathedral, but this was not part of the decision to grant them the status.

For a place to become a city, something known as letters patent is usually used, this is a legal document issued by the monarch on the advice of ministers.

There are no additional powers or government funding for becoming a city, but it is seen as an important part of a place’s identity and heritage.