Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Summary assessment definition

What does Summary assessment mean? A court’s on-the-spot determination of the amount of costs one party must pay the other at the end of a hearing, instead of applying fixed costs or sending the bill to detailed assessment. In England and Wales, summary assessment of costs is provided for by CPR r 44.6 and PD 44 and is commonly made after interim applications and at the end of fast track trials. The receiving party typically serves a statement of costs (Form N260/N260A). The judge assesses what is reasonable and proportionate on the standard or indemnity basis, taking into account conduct, offers (including Part 36), and...

Summary assessment of costs in civil proceedings (England and Wales): pre‑April 2013 CPR procedure and guidance [Archived]

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Practice notes

Archived: This Practice Note reflects provisions repealed on 1 April 2013 and is provided solely for historical reference.

What is summary assessment?

Summary assessment is the process by which the costs of an application are determined at the hearing of that very application (old rule 43.3).

Typically, any such costs must be paid within 14 days, though the court may alter the timescale.

For more detail, consult the Guide to the Summary Assessment of Costs issued by the senior courts costs office.

Under old practice direction 44, para 13.2, the general position is that the court should direct summary assessment of costs:

at the conclusion of a fast track trial
at the end of a hearing lasting no longer than one day; if that hearing disposes of the whole action, the order on costs may encompass the entire claim
in certain hearings before the Court of Appeal

Nevertheless, the court will order summary assessment of costs only where a party seeks its costs of an application...

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Web page updated on 22/05/2026

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