The borough of South Ribble is 11,461 hectares in size and extends from Much Hoole in the west to Samlesbury in the east. It is split into 23 wards with 50 elected councillors who decide the policies of the council. The current political make-up of is as follows:

Conservative 27; Labour 18; Liberal Democrat 3; South Ribble Independents 2.

The current Leader of the Council is Councillor Peter Mullineaux (Conservative). The leader of the opposition is Councillor Paul Foster (Labour).

The council operates a 'Leader and Cabinet' decision making structure. The council comprises a number of committees, each concentrating on a specific neighbourhood or subject matter.