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

Harris 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 Harris District Council, transferring its powers to a new local unitary authority, Comhairle nan Eilean (Western Isles Islands Council) headquartered in Stornoway.