Norfolk's controversial devolution deal - which will bring £600m investment to the county and an elected leader - should be put to a local referendum, critics have said.

This week saw the announcement of the agreement between Norfolk County Council and the government, with extra powers to be transferred to the authority, helmed by a leader directly elected by the public.

Supporters say the £20m a year investment fund, the ability to borrow more money, new powers and other funding streams will give Norfolk more control over regeneration, skills training, adult education and transport.

However, critics are unhappy it was negotiated behind closed doors. The deal still needs to be approved by the county council and go through Parliament, and there will be public consultation next year.

But the Green group at Norfolk County Council say they want an actual referendum, rather than simply consultation, so the Norfolk public can definitively say whether they want it.

Eastern Daily Press: Ben Price, leader of the Green group at Norfolk County CouncilBen Price, leader of the Green group at Norfolk County Council (Image: Ben Price)

Leader Ben Price said: "The county deal will create the most fundamental change in local democracy this county will see in a lifetime.

"It has been negotiated behind closed doors by a handful of Conservative county councillors, with no input from other political groups, or from the general public.

"With such far-reaching impacts on people’s everyday lives, this is simply not acceptable.

"That is why I've launched a petition calling for a referendum on any deal, so that the people of Norfolk get the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the positives and negatives such a deal brings, before deciding if it is right for them."

The deal has prompted criticism across the political spectrum, including from leading Conservatives.

John Fuller, the Tory leader of South Norfolk Council, is among those who have spoken out against the proposal.

He said: "While the rest of the country has been offered full-fat proper mayors, with all the powers and all the money, local people will want to know how Norfolk has been suckered into a semi-skimmed deal that's second best."

Andrew Proctor, leader of Norfolk County Council, at a symbolic signing of the principle of the deal on Thursday, reiterated that he believed it was a good deal for the whole of the county.

He said: "I am very confident that Norfolk will make a success of this. The new powers and new funding will be just the start of Norfolk's devolution journey."

The Green petition is at www.actionnetwork.org/petitions/hold-a-referendum-on-any-norfolk-county-deal

People can also find more out about the deal at www.norfolk.gov.uk/norfolkcountydeal