The Jersey States budget debate started on Tuesday

Deputy Phil Rondel wanted the money to be spent on improvements to the island's main drains network.

The Disability Transport Allowance is given to people with mobility problems to get around the island and it has been estimated it will cost taxpayers' just over �6m next year.

But Deputy Rondel argued the allowance is often abused and wanted �1m of it to go to extending the mains drains system.

Proposals protest

Senator Paul Routier, the president of the committee responsible for the benefit, said the amendment was "unacceptable".

Jersey's Finance President, Senator Terry Le Sueur, announced a package of budgetary measures at the start of November to introduce an extra �9m in taxes and cut spending by �6m.

They include raising taxes on alcohol, tobacco, petrol and new car sales.

At least 13 sets of amendments have been put forward to the budget proposals, which include adding 40p to a litre of spirits, 10p to a bottle of wine and 4p on a pint of beer.

Other measures are a 25p increase in the price of a packet of cigarettes and a rise in the cost of a litre of unleaded petrol by 5p.

Vehicle Registration Duty could also increase by 25%, and next year it could also apply to hire cars, although at a reduced rate.

Buying a house could become marginally more expensive with a proposed increase in stamp duty.

Almost 2,000 islanders gathered in Jersey's Royal Square on Tuesday at the start of the budget debate to protest against the proposals.