The Council is made up of 54 elected councillors or ' members ' who decide its aims, objectives and policies. They are elected to represent a particular area or ward in Calderdale. Each ward has three councillors who serve for four years. Elections take place in each ward three years out of every four, when one council seat in each ward is open for election. Councillors are not paid a salary, but receive an allowance for time spent on official council business.
Most councillors represent a political party and are organised into party groups.
The Council's main committee is chaired by the Leader of the Council.