Source: https://www.quantsurv.com/resources/glossary/true-value-adjudication
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Content reviewed: 2026-09-30

# True value adjudication: definition and example

An adjudication about what the work was actually worth, rather than what a notice said.

By [Jack Butler-Kettle](<https://www.quantsurv.com/about#who-we-are>) · Updated 30 September 2026

Guidance for England and Wales. Check the contract, amendments and facts that apply to your job.

## What it means in practice

Read this alongside [S&T (UK) Ltd v Grove Developments Ltd \[2018\] EWCA Civ 2448](<https://caselaw.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ewca/civ/2018/2448>).

A true-value adjudication concerns the proper valuation of the work or account. It is distinct from a notified-sum claim about the immediate payment obligation. Payment sequencing, jurisdiction and what has already been decided need careful examination before referring a valuation dispute.

Organise quantities, rates and adjustments by item. [Underpayment recovery](<https://www.quantsurv.com/underpaid/services/underpayment-recovery>) can help assemble the valuation evidence; formal adjudication strategy may require specialist advice.

## Worked example

### The facts

The parties have different valuations for the same completed package.

### What happens

1.  They isolate disputed quantities, rates and changes in an itemised comparison.
    
2.  Before any referral, they check the existing notices, payments and earlier decisions.
    

### What this shows

The valuation case is prepared on its own evidence while preserving the distinction from immediate payment obligations.

## Sources

1.  [S&T (UK) Ltd v Grove Developments Ltd \[2018\] EWCA Civ 2448 (Court of Appeal, 7 November 2018)](<https://caselaw.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ewca/civ/2018/2448>). The National Archives, Find Case Law.