Dividend Declaration

BLACKROCK INCOME STRATEGIES TRUST PLC (the “Company”)

Fourth Quarterly Dividend

The Board of BlackRock Income Strategies Trust plc announces that it is declaring a fourth quarterly interim dividend in respect of the year to 30 September 2016, of 1.635 pence per share on the ordinary shares of the Company.  This brings the total dividends paid in respect of the year to 30 September 2016 to 6.54 pence per share (the same as the total dividends paid in respect of the year to 30 September 2015).  This is in line with the Company’s policy to grow the dividend at least in line with inflation (as measured by the consumer price index (‘CPI’) for the preceding financial year), which fell by 0.1% for the year to 30 September 2015.

This dividend will be paid on 27 January 2017 to shareholders on the register on 6 January 2017.

The last date for receipt of mandate instructions for those shareholders who wish to join the Dividend Reinvestment Plan is 6 January 2017.

For further information please contact:

Sarah Beynsberger
BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited
Secretary
Tel: [phone]

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

29 September 2016

END