What are background papers in relation to council meetings?

Background papers in the context of council meetings serve to provide essential information that supports the agenda items being discussed. These documents typically include reports, studies, or analyses that offer additional insights and context for council members and the public regarding the decisions to be made. As such, they are intended for public inspection and contribute to transparency in local governance.

The inclusion of various supporting documents ensures that those attending the meetings can understand the implications of the agenda items. This practice helps facilitate informed discussions and allows the public to hold council members accountable for their decisions based on the available evidence and analyses. Therefore, choosing the option that states these are reports presented for public inspection that list supporting documents accurately reflects the role and purpose of background papers in council meetings.