Banksy's Artworks Cost UK Taxpayers Nearly £150,000 in Maintenance and Security
Three artworks by the renowned street artist Banksy have incurred significant costs for UK taxpayers, totaling nearly £150,000. The expenses are primarily due to cleaning operations and security measures. The most substantial cost is associated with a mural painted on the Royal Courts of Justice in September 2025, which alone has required over £85,000 for removal efforts and security. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has disclosed that £50,000 was spent on removing paint from the Grade II-listed building's wall on Carey Street, with an additional £35,300 allocated for overtime and security. These figures were obtained through Freedom of Information requests and have sparked renewed debate over the classification of Banksy's work as either vandalism or valuable public art. 
