Three artworks by the street artist Banksy have cost taxpayers nearly 150,000 pounds. This total stems from cleaning operations and security measures required to manage unauthorized installations on public property. The highest individual cost involves a mural painted on the Royal Courts of Justice in September 2025. The Ministry of Justice reported that cleaning efforts at this Grade II-listed building reached 50,000 pounds, with an additional 35,300 pounds spent on overtime and security staffing.
These figures surfaced through Freedom of Information requests, prompting a public debate regarding the boundary between art and property damage. Critics argue that public funds should not cover the removal of graffiti, particularly when it defaces national symbols. Supporters of the artist maintain that his work provides cultural value and encourages tourism, similar to other major landmarks.
Previous incidents have also required municipal spending. A statue featuring a man carrying a flag, placed in Waterloo Place, cost Westminster City Council roughly 60,000 pounds in safety barriers and security. Earlier, a police sentry box painted with piranha fish in 2024 was removed at a cost of 2,200 pounds and eventually placed into museum storage.
Local authorities face technical hurdles in these restoration efforts. Cleaning the stonework on historic buildings often requires specialized laser technology. If traditional methods fail, some departments consider removing and replacing the affected stone entirely. The Ministry of Justice is also exploring the installation of permanent railings to prevent future incidents, which would add further costs to the public budget.