The fund is increased by contributions and positive investment returns, the latter normally being a major element. On the other hand, the fund is reduced by benefits (including premium payments and other expenses) and negative investment returns.

That is economic reality, with accounting numbers being merely imaginary. In order to understand future funding requirements, we need to concentrate upon cashflows.

Crucially, prudence can only be assessed in relation to best estimate, the latter typically never being presented to UK clients. At one point, actuaries were required to present “neutral estimates” but that was dispensed with some years ago, a shame.