Banksy's London Murals Cost Taxpayers £150,000 in Upkeep
Taxpayers have faced nearly £150,000 in expenses related to the cleaning, security, and maintenance of three Banksy pieces in London, with further costs anticipated. The most costly of these, a mural located at the Royal Courts of Justice and created in September 2025, has led to £50,000 in paint removal and £35,000 in security and overtime expenses. Initial efforts to remove it were unsuccessful, prompting the use of laser technology. A request for permission to install railings has been filed, though the costs remain unclear. Shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy has criticized the expenditure, suggesting that Banksy should cover the costs. In contrast, art critic Estelle Lovatt has defended the artwork. Additionally, a statue in Waterloo Place from April has incurred nearly £60,000 in costs, while a piranha fish painting from August 2024 was removed for £2,200.
Key facts
- Three Banksy artworks in London cost taxpayers nearly £150,000 in upkeep.
- The Royal Courts of Justice mural cost over £85,000: £50,000 for paint removal and £35,000 for security and overtime.
- The mural depicted a judge beating a protester with a gavel, confirmed by Banksy on his website and Instagram.
- The Royal Courts of Justice is a Grade II-listed building on Carey Street.
- Contractors are using laser technology to remove the mural; stone replacement is a final option.
- A statue in Waterloo Place cost Westminster council almost £60,000 for safety barriers, administration, and a security guard.
- A piranha fish painting on a police sentry box was removed at a cost of £2,200 and will be displayed at the London Museum in November.
- Shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy called the spending 'outrageous' and said Banksy should foot the bill.
Entities
Artists
- Banksy
Institutions
- Royal Courts of Justice
- Ministry of Justice
- HM Courts and Tribunals Service
- Westminster city council
- City of London police
- London Museum
- Metropolitan Police
- Westminster City Council
- City of London Police
- BBC
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Royal Courts of Justice
- Carey Street
- Waterloo Place
- Trafalgar Square
- Bristol