There are provided methods and apparatus for weighted prediction in scalable video encoding and decoding. A scalable video encoder includes an encoder (100) for encoding a block in an enhancement layer of a picture by applying a weighting parameter to an enhancement layer reference picture. The weighting parameter used to encode the block in the enhancement layer is adaptively selected from between a weighting parameter applied to a lower layer reference picture to encode a block in the lower layer of the picture and a different weighting parameter applicable in the enhancement layer. The block in the enhancement layer corresponds to the block in the lower layer. The enhancement layer reference picture corresponds to the lower layer reference picture.