The metropolitan borough of Knowsley and its council were created in 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, covering the whole area of three former districts and parts of another two, all of which were abolished at the same time: The area was transferred from Lancashire to become one of the five districts in the new metropolitan county of Merseyside.

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

[10] Parts of the borough are covered by civil parishes, which form an additional tier of local government for their areas.

[20] The council's main offices and meeting place are at the Municipal Buildings in Archway Road in Huyton.

[21] The building was completed in 1963 as the headquarters of Huyton-with-Roby Urban District Council, one of Knowsley's predecessor authorities.