The metropolitan district of Sandwell and its council were created in 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, covering the combined area of the former county boroughs of Warley and West Bromwich, which were both abolished at the same time.

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

[9][10] In 2022 the government appointed commissioners to oversee the operation of certain functions at the council due to concerns about its performance.

Some strategic functions in the area are provided by the West Midlands Combined Authority; the leader and deputy leader of the council sit on the board of the combined authority as Sandwell's representatives.

Political control of the council since 1974 has been as follows:[14][15] The role of mayor is largely ceremonial in Sandwell.

[27] Prior to 1989, the council met and had its main offices at West Bromwich Town Hall, which had been completed in 1875 and had been the headquarters of the old West Bromwich Borough Council prior to 1974.