Local Government New Zealand wants the coalition government to seriously consider returning the GST charged on rates, back to councils

There've been growing calls for this from mayors across the country.

Infometrics analysis shows in 2022, central government collected around 1.1 billion dollars in GST from rates.

Local Government President Sam Broughton says it would help alleviate some of the financial stress councils are under.

He's pleased to see the data, which highlights just how much money is generated in this area.