Banksy's London Works Cost UK Taxpayers Nearly $203K Since 2024

Since the beginning of 2024, nearly $203,000 (R$ 1,055,600) has been allocated by British officials for the upkeep of three Banksy artworks in London, according to BBC reports. The most expensive piece is a mural located at the Royal Courts of Justice, illustrating a judge hitting a protester, which incurred costs of around $67,000 (R$ 348,400) for removal and $48,000 (R$ 249,600) for security and overtime, as traditional cleaning methods proved ineffective, leading to the use of laser technology. Critics, including Nick Timothy, contend that taxpayer money should not be used for the maintenance of a national symbol, while proponents argue that Banksy's creations draw tourists. Additionally, in April, Westminster City Council invested nearly $81,000 (R$ 421,200) on a sculpture close to Trafalgar Square, and a Banksy-altered police box was taken down in August 2024 for about $3,000 (R$ 15,600).