The government is focusing on developers during the next stage of its implementation of the 2004 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act, designed to speed up the planning system. The reforms, which will come into force on August 24, give local authorities new powers "to ensure that developers deliver on planning permissions." They give local authorities greater powers to decline to determine repeat planning applications; set a three year timeframe on most planning permissions –down from five years; require statutory consultees to respond to requests for advice within 21 days, and allow for concurrent sessions to be held at inquiries into applications for major infrastructure development called-in by the Secretary of State, to reduce inquiry times. ODPM minister Phil Woolas took a tough line with developers in his announcement on the reforms. He said: "We are sending a message to developers that they have a role to play in creating a faster, more certain planning system. These measures will stop developable land from being wasted by speculators, and prevent developers from submitting identical applications to wear down opposition to undesirable development, which is an irritation for local authorities and the public.”