Commenting on plans by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) to step up mortgage regulation, Vince Cable said "Some borrowers and lenders have already decided that the housing market has bottomed out and are now piling back in. With unemployment rising and massive uncertainty in the economy this is a very dangerous game to play which is why there needs to be clear guidance on the affordability of mortgages."
Liberal Democrats in Scarborough are disappointed that Conservative-run North Yorkshire County Council failed to back a campaign aimed at driving forward cuts in the authority's carbon emissions.
Newcastle has won a regional award for its floral displays.
Whilst environmental crimes such as graffiti, fly-tipping, litter and dog-fouling have reduced in our area, we need to keep on top of it.
The Lib Dem-run city council is transforming the way it works in order to save £20 million and protect front line services.
Local residents can now report crime online at Northumbria Police's new website.