English Core Cities Group
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The English Core Cities Group is an association of eight large regional cities in England: Birmingham (region of West Midlands), Bristol (South West England), Leeds (Yorkshire and the Humber), Liverpool, Manchester (both North West England), Newcastle upon Tyne (North East England), Nottingham (East Midlands) and Sheffield (also Yorkshire and the Humber). These are generally considered to be the eight leading cities in England outside London, which is by far England's largest city. The group was established in 1995 as a partnership of seven cities and was joined by Nottingham in 2001. Sheffield is designated the lead partner.
The cities have come together to promote their common interests as the major cities in the English regions outside London. No cities from South East England or the East of England, which surround Greater London, are represented. The cities are also motivated by the need to promote their economies, especially in the context of the European Union. They have no special status under English local government law.
The cities in the group are the heads of urban areas that correspond to the largest urban areas in England. The next largest cities are Portsmouth and Leicester.
The eight city councils are also members of the pan-European Eurocities association, of which Birmingham City Council acts as the secretariat.
