Shildon Town Council was created on local government reorganisation in 1974 as successor to Shildon Urban District Council.

The Town Council has 17 elected Members currently comprised of 11 Independent, 2 Liberal Democrats and 4 Labour. Elected Members serve a four-year term of office.

The Council has its administration based in the Council Offices, Civic Hall Square, Shildon and its direct workforce operates form the depot in Harker Street, Shildon.

The Town Council is one of 41 town and parish councils throughout the country which have been designated as Best Value authorities and to satisfy this duty is required to consult local people, review all of its functions periodically, measure its performance and produce a performance plan.

The Town Councils primary aim is to, together with others, improve the quality of life for the people of, and visitors to, the town. A commitment has also been given to strive for continuous improvement in the level of services provided based upon outcomes.

The Council has recognised the need to facilitate the development of a Parish Plan to produce a vision for the town for the future. Whilst the Parish Plan will provide a focus for service providers for the future it will also enable the Council to redevelop its own strategic objectives and priorities.

Work on the Parish Plan has commenced with a launch event held in May 2006 and, in partnership with Sedgefield Borough Council, a full community appraisal with 100% household coverage will be undertaken in the Autumn with the final results of the appraisal being produced early in 2007.