Pendle District was created under the Local Government Act 1972 and comprises the former municipal Boroughs of Colne and Nelson, the former Urban Districts of Barnoldswick, Barrowford, Brierfield, Earby and Trawden, together with various parishes previously administered by the Burnley and Skipton Rural District Councils. The first Pendle Council was elected on 7th June 1973 and assumed responsibility for the exercise of their functions on 1st April 1974. Borough status was granted to the Authority on 15th November 1976.

The motto of the Borough of Pendle is "Putting People First In Pendle", and the council shares the responsibility for services in the local area with the County Council.