BANKSY ARTWORKS COST TAXPAYERS NEARLY £150,000

Banksy's street art in London has generated nearly £150,000 in public expenditure on security and removal work, according to figures disclosed by the Ministry of Justice to the BBC following a freedom of information request. A mural on the Royal Courts of Justice building accounted for the largest share of costs, exceeding £85,000 in removal and protection expenses. Westminster City Council spent a further £60,000 on security measures, safety barriers and administration related to a Banksy statue positioned near Trafalgar Square.

The Ministry of Justice broke down its Royal Courts expenditure as £50,000 for paint removal in September and £35,000 for overtime and security costs. A third artwork — a painted sentry box featuring piranhas, created by Banksy on a City of London Police structure — cost £2,200 to remove. The sentry box is scheduled to be displayed at the London Museum.

Banksy's identity has never been officially confirmed, despite the artist's international prominence. The artist is recognised for creating politically charged murals across multiple locations. The disclosure of these costs reflects the broader financial implications of managing unauthorised street art on government and council-owned properties in the capital.