It replaced the Vale of Glamorgan Borough Council, which had been created in 1974 as a second-tier authority to South Glamorgan County Council.

[6] The first election to the reconstituted council was held in 1995, initially operating as a shadow authority alongside the outgoing authorities until it came into its powers on 1 April 1996.

Political control of the council since 1996 has been as follows:[7] The role of mayor is largely ceremonial in Vale of Glamorgan, with political leadership provided by the leader of the council.

[9] Until 2022 the county borough was divided into 23 electoral wards returning 47 councillors.

The following table lists council wards, communities and associated geographical areas prior to the 2022 boundary changes.