Announcement of Strategic Review

BLACKROCK INCOME STRATEGIES TRUST PLC

Announcement of Strategic Review

Further to the announcement dated 1 August 2016 of a review into the Company's investment objective and policy, the Board has considered a number of factors. These include the performance of the investment portfolio, the cost of the Company's debt, the cost of paying the dividend and its discount management policy.

The Board has now decided to undertake a strategic review and to invite fund management groups, including BlackRock, with both established multi-asset management credentials and the experience of managing listed closed-end funds, to present proposals to the Board.

A further announcement will be released as soon as practicable and before the publication of the report and accounts in December 2016.

Enquiries
Cenkos Securities plc
Will Rogers          Tel: [phone]
Alan Ray              Tel: [phone]