A plea has been issued for an emergency summit to tackle the "potentially disastrous" cost-of-living crisis in Renfrewshire.
The alarm has been sounded as soaring energy prices and rising inflation inflict severe financial pressure on residents.
Labour group leader Iain McMillan has written to SNP council leader Iain Nicolson requesting an urgent meeting be held so politicians and other "interested parties" can put their heads together on the situation.
He said any assembly would need to be "more than a talking shop", just days after Renfrewshire Foodbank warned people could be forced to freeze and sit in darkness this winter.
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"There is no time to waste here," Councillor McMillan said. "The cost of living is skyrocketing and with an unprecedented rise in energy costs most people here in Renfrewshire will be facing tough choices as we approach winter.
"I have written to the leader of the council to ask that a summit be arranged as soon as possible involving all interested parties to see how we can help people through this potentially disastrous situation.
"This has to be more than a talking shop and must provide help for the people of Renfrewshire."
Conservative group leader Neill Graham said the crisis was having a "huge impact" on families, individuals and businesses across the area.
"We must do everything we can to support everyone at this time," he said.
Councillor Graham hoped the administration would "heed calls" for a summit "as soon as possible" so elected members could work together in the face of the crisis.
He added: "I'm proud the UK Government has stepped up with £37billion worth of support in relation to the cost-of-living crisis, but I know much more will need to be done by representatives at all levels as people face impossible choices in the coming months."
The inaugural meeting of the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee was held last month — a task force formed to focus support for those affected by the worsening predicament.
Councillor Nicolson said the crisis would also be a topic of conversation at next week's Leadership Board and full council at the end of this month.
However, he said if the Labour group felt more meetings were needed he would be "happy to oblige".
He said: "The cost-of-living crisis is at the forefront of our work to support local families and flows on from our Covid recovery response, which has supported many businesses and families during the pandemic.
"The issue was discussed at our Fairer Renfrewshire meeting recently which was established specifically to drive forward our cost-of-living response.
"Support ranges from creating warm spaces, winter school clothing grants and an enhanced food offer. This programme received full cross-party support.
"We will also be discussing the cost-of-living crisis at the Leadership Board and full council where the SNP administration has already placed the issue on the agenda for full discussion by all elected members in the next few weeks.
"If Labour colleagues feel that more meetings are required I am happy to oblige, however our work will continue to be delivered on the ground to provide the support our families are desperately needing during this crisis."
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