The Local Government Act 1889 established District Committees to fulfil the responsibilities of County Councils at a local level. Lewis District Committee therefore administered certain roles on behalf of Ross & Cromarty County Council headquartered in Dingwall. The District Council was composed of County Councillors for the district and representatives from the Parishes of Barvas, Lochs, Stornoway and Uig. The Committee was governed by the regulations of the 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 out with the remit of the Parochial Boards (later Parish Councils).
The Local Government Act 1929 lead to the abolition of Lewis District Committee and the four parish councils of Lewis, their powers being transferred to the new Lewis District Council in 1930.