The Local Government Act 1929 disbanded Barra Parish Council and South Uist & Barra District Committee, vesting their functions in Inverness-shire County Council, headquartered in Inverness.

Barra District Council was formed as an independent authority with its own minor powers and to serve as agents for the County Council in carrying out its functions, with the exception of police and education. District Council’s powers could include public health, nursing services, housing, roads, harbours, water supply and drainage

Local government reorganisation in 1975 abolished Barra District Council, transferring its powers to a new unitary local authority, Comhairle nan Eilean (Western Isles Islands Council) headquartered in Stornoway.