Planning minister Keith Hill has announced the publication of a draft Circular containing new provisions for planning obligations. “We recognise how important it is to improve the current system of s106 agreements or negotiated planning obligations,” said Hill. "This revised draft Circular will bring the system into line with the new planning system, and speed up the delivery of infrastructure and affordable housing ." Changes introduced in the Circular are designed to promote speed, certainty, transparency and accountability. A clear basis for delivering affordable homes through the planning system is also included in the policy, along with a clarification of the policy tests for acceptable planning obligations and the encouragement of the use of standard charges. Another new Circular, 06/2004, has also been published that explains how local authorities should use the new Compulsory Purchase Powers for land assembly provided through the recently revised Planning Act.