Total Voting Rights

BlackRock Income Strategies Trust plc (“the Company”)

Voting Rights and Capital

In conformity with the FCA’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules (the “Rules”) provision 5.6.1, the Company would like to notify the market that as at 2 March 2016 its issued share capital consisted of 274,137,282 Ordinary Shares of 25 pence each (excluding shares held in treasury), carrying one vote per share. As at 2 March 2016, the Company held 16,975,000 ordinary shares in treasury.

Shareholders should use as the denominator 274,137,282 for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in the Company under the Rules.

Contact:
Sarah Beynsberger
Company Secretary
BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited

Date:
2 March 2016