In 1974, Trafford Council was created to administer the newly formed Trafford Metropolitan Borough. Trafford's centre of administration is Trafford Town Hall – named Stretford Town Hall before 1974 – designated a Grade II listed building in 2007. On its formation in 1974, the council was controlled by the Conservative Party; the Conservatives have been in control 1973–85, 1988–94, and 2004 to the present. The only time the Labour Party was in control was 1996–2002. The rest of the time were periods of no overall control. The council meets to decide policy and allocate budget. Its duties include setting levels of council tax, monitoring the health service in Trafford, providing social care, facilitating the local democratic process, ensuring clean and maintained neighbourhoods, and good local education.

Trafford Council was assessed by the Audit Commission and judged to be "improving strongly" in providing services for local people. Overall the council was awarded "three star" status meaning it was "performing well" and "consistently above minimum requirements", similar to 46% of all local authorities. In 2008–09, Trafford council had a budget of £150.5 million. This was collected from council tax (57%) and government grants (43%). The council spent £31.8 million on children and young people's services (21%); £60.1 million on community services and social care (40%); £34.4 million on "prosperity, planning, and development" (23%); and £33.8 million on customer and corporate services (22%).