The Local Government Act 1889 established District Committees to fulfil the responsibilities of County Councils at a local level. Harris District Committee therefore administered certain roles on behalf of Inverness-shire County Council head quartered in Inverness. The District Committee was composed of County Councillors for the district and representatives from the Parish of Harris. The Committee was governed by the regulations of Inverness-shire County Council to which it reported periodically. Their main functions were the administration of Roads & Bridges Acts and Public Health (which included housing). They also dealt with various concerns that fell outwith the remit of the Harris Parochial Board (later Harris Parish Council).

The Local Government Act 1929 lead to the abolition of Harris District Committee and Harris Parish Council, their powers being transferred to the new Harris District Council.