Local government reorganisation will bring huge change, but preserving the status quo may prove surprisingly difficult for cities, writes chief reporter Caitlin Webb. In 1998 the abolition of Rochester-upon-Medway City Council saw the city’s official status disappear after more than 780 years. However retaining city status is less straightforward for Chelmsford, which was granted city status in 2012. It could follow Rochester’s example and lose its own city status on a “technicality”. He added that officers have “explored various options” to retain city status but “these discussions have not resulted in the requisite re-assurance concerning city status”.