Unitary councils provide all the main local government services for the people of the area.
Bridgend County Borough Council, praised by the District Auditor for its efficiency, was the first new local authority in Wales to adopt a Town and Community Council Charter, establishing a working partnership with the 14 town and community councils within its borders. With its Bristol Channel coastline and mix of urban and rural communities, the county borough lies at the geographical heart of south Wales and has a population of just over 131,000. Its land area of 28,500 hectares stretches 20km from east to west and occupies the Llynfi, Garw and Ogmore valleys. The county borough has first-class road and rail communications and is just 12 miles from Cardiff International Airport. There are three junctions with the M4, providing access to the national motorway network and Bridgend is one of the main stations on the First Great Western high speed rail service between Swansea and Paddington.