People can now have their say over Norfolk's controversial devolution deal - which would see the county get £600m over the next three decades and a directly-elected leader at County Hall.

But critics of the so-called 'county deal' have blasted the public consultation process, saying it is flawed and "one-sided".

After months of negotiations, the government offered Norfolk County Council an arrangement, which includes a £20m a year investment fund for 30 years.

Powers would be devolved from Whitehall to the county council, with the authority getting control of the £10m budget for adult education, £7m for brownfield development, plus £5.9m for housing, regeneration and development.

It also includes a directly-elected leader of Norfolk County Council.

Consultation on the in-principle deal council leader Andrew Proctor signed in December, started on Monday (February 6).

Eastern Daily Press: Andrew Proctor, leader of Norfolk County CouncilAndrew Proctor, leader of Norfolk County Council (Image: Norfolk County Council)

Mr Proctor said: "Agreeing this deal would enable Norfolk to deliver more jobs, better housing, improved transport and better skills.

“Both the government and the county council are clear this would be the first deal, which in turn opens the door to further deals, as we have seen in other parts of the country."

But Steve Morphew, leader of the opposition Labour group, said: "In my time as a councillor I have seen some dodgy consultations, but this takes the biscuit. It is one-sided, leading and short on the information anybody would need to make an informed comment."

People can have their say at www.norfolk.gov.uk/norfolkcountydeal.

The deal offer sparked controversy. Council leaders in Conservative-controlled South Norfolk, Breckland and Broadland and Liberal Democrat-run North Norfolk have sought a legal challenge over the way negotiations were handled.

Eastern Daily Press: South West Norfolk MP Liz TrussSouth West Norfolk MP Liz Truss

MPs, led by South West Norfolk MP and former prime minister Liz Truss, believe the deal could be better.

They have organised a meeting on Thursday to discuss it.