Banksy Artworks Cost British Taxpayers Nearly £150,000

Three artworks by the street artist Banksy have resulted in nearly £150,000 in taxpayer expenses for security and cleaning across London. The most significant cost stems from a September 2025 mural on the Grade II-listed Royal Courts of Justice, where the Ministry of Justice spent over £85,000. This total includes £50,000 for paint removal and £35,000 for security and overtime.

Other costs include nearly £60,000 spent by Westminster City Council on a statue installed in Waterloo Place in April, and £2,200 spent in August 2024 to remove a piranha-themed painting from a City of London police sentry box. Cleaning crews are currently using laser technology at the Royal Courts of Justice, though officials warned that full stonework replacement may be necessary if these efforts fail.

The expenditures have ignited a political dispute. Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy characterized the works as vandalism and argued that the artist should cover the costs. Conversely, art critics like Estelle Lovatt maintain that the pieces increase public accessibility to art and drive tourism.