Dividend Declaration

BLACKROCK INCOME STRATEGIES TRUST PLC (the “Company”)

Third Quarterly Dividend

The Board of BlackRock Income Strategies Trust plc announces that it is declaring a third 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 dividend will be paid on 10 October 2016 to shareholders on the register on 16 September 2016.

The last date for receipt of mandate instructions for those shareholders who wish to join the Dividend Reinvestment Plan is 19 September 2016.

For further information please contact:

Sarah Beynsberger
BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited
Secretary

Tel: [phone]

9 August 2016

END