The current unitary authority was created in 1996 and covers the eastern three-fifths of the historic county of Monmouthshire.

[10] The first election to the new council was held in 1995, initially operating as a shadow authority before coming into its powers on 1 April 1996.

[21] After the election, Labour formed a minority administration, with Mary Ann Brocklesby appointed as the first female leader of the council.

From 1996 until April 2012, the council's administrative headquarters were at the six-storey former Gwent County Hall at Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran – outside its own administrative area in the neighbouring borough of Torfaen and shared with Torfaen County Borough Council.

[26] In 2010 the authority had decided to relocate its headquarters functions to new offices at The Rhadyr in the community of Llanbadoc, just outside the town of Usk.

[28] The council moved to temporary offices in Magor while the new building was under construction.