Until 1934 Hayle was governed by two authorities, Hayle Urban District Council and Phillack Urban District Council.

From 1934 to 1974 it was a parish council within West Penwith Rural District Council.

Currently the Town Council has the status of a Parish Council within Penwith District.

The town was traditionally divided between the parishes of Phillack (to the north and east) and St Erth (to the south and west). A third historic parish and church, Lelant, stands on the west side of the Hayle Estuary. A new parish of St Elwyn was created in 1870 from Phillack, and a church built in 1888.