"Positive discussions" have been had with government minister Michael Gove over the controversial devolution deal which would transfer powers from Whitehall to Norfolk, the county council's leader has said.
Kay Mason Billig, who became Conservative leader at County Hall in May, said she had met Mr Gove and his officials about getting more for Norfolk added to the deal which had been offered.
Mrs Mason Billig's predecessor Andrew Proctor agreed to the principle of a deal in December, which would see the council get an investment fund of £20m a year for 30 years and a directly-elected leader.
But Mrs Mason Billig said, when she succeeded Mr Proctor, that she would push for more to be included in the deal - including elements which would help to improve power networks in Norfolk.
She said: "Our officers are working with civil servants to continue to prepare for how new powers and funding could transfer to the county council, if we finalise a county deal with the government, later this year.
"I have met secretary of state Michael Gove and his officials and had positive discussions about the additional proposals we have put forward. I remain confident that we will receive a positive response."
The devolution deal would also include control of the £10m budget for adult education, and £7m for brownfield development.
READ MORE: Norfolk devolution deal with elected leader takes key step
Members of the council's infrastructure and development select committee will discuss the latest on the deal at a meeting on Wednesday (July 12).
Ultimately, the decision over whether to change the way the council operates - with a switch to a directly-elected leader - rests with the county council.
The deal would falter if that is not agreed and there has been criticism of the arrangement which had been negotiated.
John Fuller, Conservative leader at South Norfolk Council, previously slammed the deal as "half-baked", while opposition leaders at County Hall have questioned whether it is good enough to support.
Steve Morphew, leader of the Labour group at County Hall, said: "Michael Gove was extremely disappointing at last week's local government conference.
"He said nothing of any value about the devolution process and talked about ways to beat councils for failing to deliver services which the government has underfunded."
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