Nicola Sturgeon has written to Boris Johnson to demand a meeting over the growing cost of living crisis.
The First Minister urged the Tory leader to move a proposed meeting between the heads of the devolved administrations from September to this week.
She warned many of the "levers of government" required to tackle the issue in Scotland remain reserved to Westminster
Sturgeon's letter comes after Gordon Brown and SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford both called for parliament to be recalled so MPs could discuss the crisis.
Brown also urged the government to reconvene Cobra on a permanent basis until the cost of living was brought under control.
In her letter to the outgoing Prime Minister, Sturgeon said families can't wait until September for a meeting between heads of government.
She added: "The situation is fast deteriorating and many people across the UK simply cannot afford to wait until September for further action to be taken.
"I am therefore writing to seek an emergency meeting of the Heads of Government Council and propose that we, as leaders of our respective governments, meet as soon as possible this week to discuss and agree urgent steps to help those in most need now, and also formulate a plan of action for the autumn and winter ahead."
Sturgeon said a plan is needed now to help low income families through the autumn and winter when the situation is set to get worse.
Scotland's resilience committee will also be convened this week, the First Minister also confirmed.
She added: "The current crisis requires clear, focused and determined leadership and co-operation to develop and deliver – at pace – a package of interventions to protect those most impacted.
"The Scottish Government recognises our responsibility and is committed to doing all we can.
"However, we cannot respond on the scale required without action by your Government.
"Such action is needed now and I will make myself and my officials available so that a meeting can take place this week."
The Bank of England warned last week about the longest recession since the financial crisis and inflation soaring to over 13 per cent.
Energy bills will rise again in October and are expected to increase in January to over £4,000-a-year, according to experts.
Read the First Minister's letter in full:
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