Public spending on Banksy pieces nears £150,000

New figures obtained by the BBC show that

New figures obtained by the BBC show that maintaining and safeguarding works attributed to the elusive street artist Banksy has cost the public purse close to £150,000 over recent years.

The total includes expenses for cleaning, protective measures, and around-the-clock security at various sites across the UK where the artist's murals have appeared, often without prior notice. Local councils and other public bodies have borne these costs, according to freedom of information requests.

One of the most expensive cases involved a piece in a seaside town, where repeated efforts to remove graffiti and apply anti-vandal coatings pushed costs into the tens of thousands. Another major outlay came from hiring private guards after a mural drew large crowds and prompted safety concerns.

Officials argue that such spending is necessary to

Officials argue that such spending is necessary to preserve cultural assets that have become tourist attractions, while also managing the risks of damage or theft. However, critics question whether public money should be used for art that appears illegally, with some calling for a clearer policy on how to handle future works.

The artist's anonymity and the temporary nature of his creations add to the challenge, as councils must decide quickly whether to protect, remove, or leave a piece untouched. In several cases, protective Perspex screens have been installed at a significant cost, only to be removed later if the artwork was sold or relocated.

Despite the expense, many local leaders view the presence of a Banksy as a boon for community pride and economic activity, drawing visitors who spend in nearby shops and cafes. The BBC's investigation highlights the financial trade-off that comes with these unexpected gifts of art.

As the debate continues, the total figure is

As the debate continues, the total figure is expected to rise, with new works appearing each year and maintenance costs recurring. For now, the public remains the silent patron of an artist who rarely speaks for himself.