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He would look to raise the rates-free threshold from £12,000 to £18,000 alongside extended a £15,000 taper to £21,000, it was reported in The Telegraph.
Burham would also abolish business rates for cafés, shops and hairdressers if he became leader.
According to the publication, he said: “Our high streets matter to me because they matter to the people who live here.
“I want to make sure these family-owned businesses, as the heart and soul of this country, are protected and given the chance to thrive.
“I am willing to be honest about where we have fallen short and say my party has got this wrong in Government.
“They have undervalued the contribution these businesses make to our livelihoods and our communities.”
Real boost
British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) CEO Emma McClarkin outlined the impact a rates reduction would have on operators.
She said: “While the current relief in business rate for pubs is welcome, pubs continue to pay a disproportionately higher rate, which grinds down their ability to keep the doors open.
“A further 20% would be a real boost for the local and raising the threshold so many smaller pubs get taken out of paying rates would make a real difference to high streets and livelihoods.
“We know how much people value the pub and we want to work with all parties on long-term reform so our pubs stay open, young people stay in jobs and the local remains at the heart of the community.”
Fellow trade body UKHospitality called for a sector-wide solution, inclusive of all hospitality businesses.
Universal challenges
“It’s right to recognise high street businesses are the heart and soul of Britain and crucially, the system is broken and in need of reform,” chief executive Allen Simpson said.
“The challenges facing local businesses are universal and affect all types of venue, from pubs and restaurants to cafés and hotels.
“An effective high street strategy needs to deliver a hospitality-wide solution to deliver for all businesses, high streets, towns, cities and communities.
“To reverse the trend of closures and lost jobs into openings and new jobs, that strategy needs to include a plan for delivering lower business rates and a 10% rate of VAT for hospitality.”
The trade association boss added there were continuing discussions with the Government about business rates bills over the next two years of the current cycle with positive conversations taking place with all major parties about rates across England, Scotland and Wales.
