Composition of Management Engagement Committee

BLACKROCK INCOME STRATEGIES TRUST PLC (the “Company”)

Composition of the Management Engagement Committee

The Board of BlackRock Income Strategies Trust Plc announces that Ms Ruddick will step down as a member of the Company’s Management Engagement Committee with immediate effect.  This decision has been taken as Ms Ruddick also serves on the board of another investment trust managed by BlackRock and is therefore deemed not to be independent of the manager under the terms of the UK Listing Rules.  The AIC Code of Corporate Governance recommends that only directors who are independent of the manager should be involved with reviewing the performance of, and contractual arrangements with, the manager, and therefore to ensure compliance with best Corporate Governance practice Ms Ruddick will no longer serve on the Committee.

Notwithstanding Ms Ruddick’s position on the Board of two BlackRock managed trusts, the Board considers her to be independent in character and does not believe that these circumstances will affect Ms Ruddick’s judgement.   Ms Ruddick will continue to serve as a director of the Company, which has a majority of independent directors and complies with best practice under the relevant guidance.

For further information please contact:

Sarah Beynsberger
BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited
Secretary

Tel: [phone]

12 February 2016

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