The borough covers 20 square miles (52 km2) in south east Hertfordshire, and had an estimated population of 99,000 in 2021.

The western side of the borough is largely rural with extensive areas of woodland, whilst the eastern part, particularly between the A10 road and the River Lea, is generally urban.

[5] The new district was awarded borough status from its creation, allowing the chair of the council to take the title of mayor.

[9] The first elections to the council were held in 1973, initially acting as a shadow authority until the new arrangements took effect on 1 April 1974.

The building had been a college for training clergy and comprised an early eighteenth century house to which substantial extensions had been added in 1810 and 1871.

The council added a large modern extension in 1986, which was formally opened on 10 December 1986 by Prince Edward, Duke of Kent.