POLICY PULSE – FEBRUARY 2026
POLICY HEADLINES
What’s Happening
DFT CONTINUE TO DRAG HEELS ON TRANSPORT REFRIGERATION
We’re proud of how the cold chain sector is investing in new technology to reduce the emissions from the UK’s transport refrigeration units (TRUs) and for several years we have been campaigning for recognition of this from the Department for Transport and clarity on how future regulation and policy will impact and support the sector’s ongoing efforts. TRUs sit in a policy wilderness somewhere between freight and non-road mobile machinery, a designation which includes construction and quarrying equipment. This has led to a lack of ownership within Government of ownership of TRU policy. This month we once again met with DfT officials to try to ascertain how they might respond to the DfT sponsored Zemo Partnership report into emissions from TRUs. The result is that after years of the TRU policy pendulum swinging towards freight, TRUs are now back with the NRMM policy side of the DfT. What does this all mean? Any future policy for TRUs will now likely be as part of a new Off-Road Machinery Decarbonisation Strategy, although the timeline for this work is unclear.
In the meantime, the CCF are gearing up for a major census of TRU Operators in March to gather data on progress and attitudes towards low and zero emission technology, whilst also seeking views on how members feel government could best support their quicker adoption. This will mean we have the data to demonstrate the efforts our members are taking towards decarbonisation and clear evidence on how future strategies can support, rather than hinder, progress.
PREPARE NOW FOR APRIL CHANGES TO TAX, EMPLOYMENT AND BORDERS
April and the start of the financial year is the traditional time for new tax and other regulatory changes to be introduced by the Government and 2026 is no exception with new employment rules, business rate reforms and the full introduce of the EU’s Entry/Exit system all set to commence. A major change to employment rules from the Employment Rights Act brings changes in many areas including zero hours contracts, unfair dismissals and statutory sick pay -you can find out more about this below. The CCF have also been lobbying hard on the impacts of the business rate review on our members, many of whom are set to experience big tax rises.
As well as campaigning for an exemption to the new higher rate aimed at ‘online giants’, we have also this month written to the Chief Executive of the Valuations Office Agency (VOA) to request urgent engagement on the inconsistent application of property valuations for cold stores which is impacted growth plans and competitivity for those most affected. We’re pleased to share that the Chief Executive has responded positively to our call for urgent engagement and will now work directly with the Cold Chain Federation to discuss the issues we’ve raised. The VAO team will soon arrange an initial meeting between their cold store valuation experts and ourselves, to explore the best way forward. The much delayed EU Entry/Exit System is also finally being fully implemented in April, this will mean potential delays and much tighter rules on how long UK drivers can stay in the EU over a 180 day period.
Whilst the CCF are campaigning to limit the impact of some of these reforms, at the time of writing they are set to go ahead, and members should be assessing the impacts to their own operations. The CCF team are here to help, get in touch with the team if you need assistance.
WHAT TO WATCH
What’s Ahead
Consultation on Diesel HGV Ban (closes 17th March 2026): The government has launched a consultation on proposals to phase out new diesel HGVs, as part of its wider decarbonisation plans. The consultation explores potential phase-out dates, how different vehicle weights and use cases could be treated, and what supporting measures may be needed to enable the transition, including charging and refuelling infrastructure. These proposals are particularly significant for the cold chain, where HGVs are essential to maintaining food security and the reliable movement of temperature-controlled goods.
We are responding to the consultation and using our submission to highlight the need for any HGV phase-out timelines to align with, and take account of, the decarbonisation pathway for transport refrigeration units (TRUs). Through our response, we are pressing for a joined-up approach that reflects operational realities of cold chain logistics, supports investment, and delivers realistic and achievable timelines for the sector.
We have consulted with the DfT and the DBT on our planned response to this consultation and both teams are highly supportive of our approach.
National Planning Policy Framework (closes 10th March): The Government is consulting on proposed updates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which sets the overarching rules for how development is planned and approved across England. The Framework plays a critical role in shaping decisions on land use, infrastructure investment and economic growth.
We previously responded to the NPPF consultation in 2024, and welcome the fact that the latest proposals now include explicit references to freight logistics, storage and distribution. This reflects growing recognition of the essential role supply chain infrastructure plays in supporting population growth, food security, public health and economic resilience.
In our response, we are emphasising the need for cross-boundary planning to support a nationally connected cold chain network, stronger recognition of cold chain infrastructure alongside housing delivery, and a planning system that actively enables decarbonisation and climate resilience for energy-intensive logistics. We are also clearly highlighting the cold chains role as a critical enabler of the Industrial Strategy and other key national strategies, which are referenced in the consultation. While the cold chain is not explicitly recognised as one of the Industrial Strategy’s eight key growth sectors, it underpins many of them and should therefore be given greater recognition in planning decisions. The DBT team are fully supportive of our approach to the consultation and agree with our view.
Employment Law Changes (April 2026): Employment laws are changing, with the first major reforms under the Employment Rights Act 2025 coming into force from April 2026. Further changes will be introduced gradually through 2026 and 2027, giving employers time to prepare and adapt.
Key measures taking effect from April 2026 include updates to Statutory Sick Pay, paternity leave and unpaid parental leave becoming day-one rights, the introduction of Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave, stronger collective redundancy protections, enhanced whistleblowing safeguards, and simpler enforcement through the new Fair Work Agency.
We advise members to begin familiarising themselves with the Government’s dedicated guidance hub, which sets out what’s changing, key timelines and practical steps for employers. Members may wish to begin preparing now by reviewing HR policies, contracts and handbooks, checking payroll systems, and briefing line managers so changes can be clearly communicated to the workforce.
Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) Strategy (expected 2026): Transport refrigeration units (TRUs) now sit within the Department for Transport’s Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) policy framework, following a shift away from freight policy. Any future policy affecting TRUs is therefore likely to form part of a forthcoming Off-Road Machinery Decarbonisation Strategy, expected in 2026, although timelines remain uncertain. We will continue to monitor developments closely and keep members updated as this work progresses.
ADVOCACY SPOTLIGHT
What we’re doing
TRANSPORT MINISTER VISITS COLD CHAIN MEMBER SITE
This month we secured a visit from Simon Lightwood MP, the Roads Minister and local MP to a member facility operated by NewCold in Wakefield. Our CEO, Phil Pluck, joined the NewCold team to host the visit, providing an opportunity to showcase first-hand the critical role cold chain logistics plays in supporting national food supply and regional economic growth. In his capacity as both a local MP and Roads Minister at the Department for Transport, Simon has a vested interest in our decarbonisation work and in supporting investment into the growth and future of his constituency – recognising the important role cold chain businesses play in delivering both.
We used the visit as another opportunity to continue our advocacy on business rates, highlighting the financial impact of recent reforms and reinforcing our case for exemption from the higher rate. This reflects the sectors energy-intensive operations, 24/7 requirements and storage and distribution of essential goods.
The visit also gave the Transport Minister the chance to understand some of the obstacles that can limit the expansion of cold chain operations at a time when demand for efficient food storage and distribution is growing. He left with a clear understanding and appreciation of the vital role our member companies play in regional and national resilience.
We continue to encourage and support our members in engaging with their local MPs. If you are interested in hosting a visit or want to learn more, please email [email protected]
CONSISTENT ENGAGEMENT WITH DFT AND DBT
We have maintained active discussions with stakeholders across the Department for Transport and the Department for Business and Trade this month. These engagements focus on TRU decarbonisation policy, national infrastructure and growth priorities and regulatory issues that affect the competitiveness and resilience of the UK cold chain.
We have a strong network of stakeholders across these relevant government teams and a clear seat at the table. These engagement opportunities allow us to share our work and evidence directly with government officials, ensuring our policy asks, as set out in our refined policy strategy, are clearly presented and supported by solid evidence. Through our ongoing cross-departmental engagement, we have established a strong feedback loop, whereby we benefit from receiving direct insight and guidance from stakeholders that helps us further strengthen our policy work. This gives us a real understanding of what government wants and needs to see from us in order to act on our key asks.
With regular meetings scheduled for the rest of the year, we can guarantee continued and consistent engagement, ensuring that member priorities are heard and that we are kept informed on the latest policy developments.
STRENGTHENING ENGAGEMENT WITH NAO ON FOOD RESILIENCE
Our engagement with the National Audit Office (NAO) continues as part of its Food Supply Chain Resilience study – a key opportunity to ensure the cold chain’s role in national resilience is properly recognised. Following initial meetings, we are continuing to support the NAO in its research and are planning a visit to a cold chain site, giving them the opportunity to see first-hand the critical role the sector plays in national supply chains. This engagement aims to directly influence the NAO’s recommendations ahead of its summer report and support its use in future government resilience planning.
MONTHLY TEMPERATURE CHECK
Employment laws are changing under the Employment Rights Act 2025, with key updates coming into effect from April 2026. Changes include updated statutory sick pay, day-one paternity and unpaid parental leave, new bereaved partner’s paternity leave, stronger redundancy protections, enhanced whistleblowing safeguards, and simpler enforcement through the new Fair Work Agency.
We’d love to hear how you expect these changes to impact your business by voting in our poll. The poll will close 10/03/2026.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR FEEDBACK ON ANY ISSUES IN THIS BRIEFING PLEASE CONTACT MADDY COUPE POLICY MANAGER [email protected].
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