The amount of money Banksy’s artworks in London have cost taxpayers – revealed

Business & FinanceArt
10 Aug 2026 • 6:41 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

The amount of money Banksy’s artworks in London have cost taxpayers – revealed

  • Taxpayers have incurred almost £150,000 in security and clean-up expenses associated with three separate street art pieces created by Banksy.
  • A mural painted on the Royal Courts of Justice complex has generated the highest expense, costing over £85,000 in removal work and protection efforts. The financial data was disclosed by the Ministry of Justice to the BBC following a freedom of information request.
  • Meanwhile, Westminster City Council has spent nearly £60,000 on security, safety barriers and administration for a Banksy statue installed near Trafalgar Square.
  • A City of London Police sentry box featuring Banksy's painted piranhas cost £2,200 to remove and is set to go on display at the London Museum.
  • Banksy, whose real name has never been officially confirmed, has become famous across the world for politically charged murals.

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