Statement re 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 2015, of 1.67 pence per share on the ordinary shares of the Company. This is the same rate of dividend as the second quarterly interim dividend paid on 10 July 2015 and represents a 9.2% increase compared to the third quarterly interim dividend paid in the previous year of 1.53 pence per share.

This dividend will be paid on 9 October 2015 to shareholders on the register on 11 September 2015.

The last date for receipt of mandate instructions for those shareholders who wish to join the Dividend Reinvestment Plan is 18 September 2015.

For further information please contact:

Sarah Beynsberger
BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited
Secretary

Tel: [phone]

3 August 2015

END