Taxpayers have faced costs of almost £150,000 for the upkeep of three Banksy artworks, with further expenses anticipated. The largest bill, exceeding £85,000, is associated with a mural painted on the Royal Courts of Justice in London in September 2025.
According to the BBC, £50,000 was spent attempting to remove paint from the Grade II-listed building, with an additional £35,000 on overtime and security. HM Courts and Tribunals Service stated that the Royal Courts of Justice, as a listed building, must maintain its original character.
Westminster City Council has incurred almost £60,000 for safety barriers, administration, and a security guard for a statue that appeared in Waterloo Place in April. The council has informed the artist's agent that it is reviewing options for the statue.
A third Banksy artwork, a shoal of piranha fish painted on a City of London police sentry box in August 2024, cost £2,200 to remove. The box is scheduled for display at the London Museum when it reopens in November.
Shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy described the spending as “outrageous” and called for Banksy to cover the costs. Conversely, art critic Estelle Lovatt defended Banksy's work, citing its accessibility and benefits for tourism.