Three Banksy artworks have cost taxpayers almost £150,000 in cleaning and security, with the bill expected to rise. The largest bill comes from a mural on the Royal Courts of Justice in September 2025, where removal efforts and security have so far cost more than £85,000. The Ministry of Justice spent £50,000 to remove paint from the Grade II‑listed building in Carey Street, plus £35,300 on overtime and security. The mural depicts a judge in a wig battering a protester, and the image was posted on Banksy’s website and Instagram.

The Ministry says the courts must maintain its original character, while the Metropolitan Police confirmed the incident as criminal damage. No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing. Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy criticised the spending, calling it “outrageous”, whereas art critic Estelle Lovatt defended Banksy, noting the tourism benefits.

Earlier works—an anonymous flag statue in Waterloo Place and a piranha‑fish‑decorated police box—have also cost councils tens of thousands of pounds. Banksy’s influence continues to spark debate over the line between vandalism and valuable public art. The removal process includes laser technology and possible stonework replacement, while a Listed Building Consent application seeks railings to protect the wall.