[7] The first election to the council was held in 1973, initially operating as a shadow authority before coming into its powers on 1 April 1974.

In 2021 the council voted to demolish the civic centre and moved its meeting place and headquarters to the General Office building adjoining Ebbw Vale Town railway station.

The council reportedly distributes a pamphlet titled "School Attendance - a guide for parents of children starting school" that clearly states Blaenau Gwent Council "requested headteachers do not authorise any holidays in term time".

Collins' action reportedly caused resentment among local families who had been refused permission to take a holiday during term time to save on cost.

In response, council leader, Nigel Daniels, issued a statement to the South Wales Argus newspaper stating the "holiday in question was authorised ... and fully complied with the policy".