The borough is named after its main town of Brentwood, where the council is based; it includes several villages and the surrounding rural area.

The neighbouring districts are Epping Forest, Chelmsford, Basildon, Thurrock and the London Borough of Havering.

[7] The district was awarded borough status on 10 March 1993, allowing the chair of the council to take the title of mayor.

Parts of the borough are also covered by civil parishes, which form a third tier of local government.

Political control of the council since 1974 has been as follows:[11][12][13] The role of mayor is largely ceremonial in Brentwood.

Railway stations at Shenfield and Ingatestone facilitate services along the Great Eastern Main Line to Colchester, Clacton, Ipswich and London Liverpool Street; these are operated by Greater Anglia.

[18] Elizabeth line stopping trains run between London Paddington, Brentwood and Shenfield; this route is operated by MTR.