What information is exempt from public inspection according to the Audit Commission Act 1998?

The correct choice highlights that documents related to the personal information of council employees are exempt from public inspection as per the Audit Commission Act 1998. This is primarily to protect individuals' privacy and ensure sensitive personal details, such as names, addresses, and other identifying information, are not disclosed to the public. The emphasis on confidentiality underscores the legal and ethical obligations that local authorities have to safeguard employees' private information from public scrutiny.

In contrast, general financial guidelines, historical records of the council, and meeting minutes from previous years typically do not contain sensitive personal data and are generally accessible to the public, as they pertain to transparency and accountability in local governance. This distinction is crucial for understanding the balance between public accountability and individual privacy rights.